Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein in an exclusive interview: "Everything will move closer together again"

After battling for the world title with Porsche in the Gen3 car in the three previous seasons, the 2023-24 Formula E world champion Pascal Wehrlein also put in a strong performance at the 2025 Formula E pre-season tests in Valencia. The German goes into the twelfth season of the electric racing series as one of the favourites, but expects a close battle. Based on the lap times in Spain, Wehrlein has one team in particular on his radar.

e-Formula.news had the opportunity to talk to the Porsche works driver in Valencia about the tests, working with his new team-mate Nico Müller and his expectations for the new season.

Pascal, how would you summarise the test drives?

The tests went well so far, according to plan. We looked good, even if this track is not very representative of what we will face during the season. But it's always better to feel that we've taken steps forward, that we're able to complete our programme and that we're competitive compared to the others, rather than being a long way behind.

What do you think of the competition? Mahindra seems to be fast.

Yes, they looked really, really strong. Maybe even the strongest overall, together with us. I think every best time on the first three days went to either Mahindra or Porsche. I think you saw the trend a bit last season, that they've already made a big step forward and have already finished on the podium. And it looks like they've taken another step forward. You definitely can't underestimate how strong they are here.

"Nico is a super decent, down-to-earth guy"

After three years together with Antonio Felix da Costa, you now have a new team-mate. How is the collaboration with Nico working out?

Very well. We talk a lot about the car and, of course, it's always interesting to get feedback from a new driver and hear their first impressions. Because you often get used to things that could perhaps be improved on the car and have become accustomed to driving around these problems.

Other than that, things are going very well between us. Nico is a super decent, down-to-earth guy who is easy to get along with. He's also in a similar family situation to me, we make a really good team. He has integrated well into the team. And he's also done a really good job here in terms of performance and pace.

After you've had a season of Pit Boost races: Do you prefer races with or without a pit stop to recharge?

I'm very neutral when it comes to this topic. I see it from different perspectives: For us as manufacturers, it's good to push this technology, learn a lot and improve. Motorsport is always a pioneer for the series, so there are only positive things for us as a manufacturer. On the other hand, and fortunately we were actually saved from this last season, there are of course certain scenarios. Like in the test race here in Valencia, where one half of the field has already done the Pit Boost in the pits and the other half hasn't.

When a safety car comes out, the race is completely decided: that's a big disadvantage for the drivers who haven't yet pitted. In 90 per cent of races, it probably makes no difference. And in the other ten per cent, you just have to hope that you're on the right side. From a technological point of view, it definitely makes sense and is positive.

What do you expect from the new season?

That everything will be closer together than last season. This is now the last season with the Gen3 cars, which means that everyone has already had a lot of experience. And of course, the steps in development are simply getting smaller and smaller. As a result, those who were perhaps a little further ahead will take bigger steps than those who were in front. That's completely normal. As a result, everything will be even closer together this year. It's actually more about the operational side, for example finding the right setup for this track every weekend.

Last season, you won one race, took three pole positions and finished third in the championship. What is your goal for the coming season?

More pole positions and more victories!

Thank you for the interview!