"Really phenomenal" - DS Penske driver Max Günther impressed by new Stellantis Formula E powertrain

After two years with Maserati MSG Racing, Max Günther has moved to DS Penske for the 2024/25 season - the team with which everything started for him in Formula E. In an interview with us, he describes his first impressions of the new Gen3 Evo car, which he gained during manufacturer test drives in recent weeks. He also gives a concrete figure for the increase in performance with the new car.

"I know the basic design of our powertrain from Generation 3," describes DS Penske driver Max Günther when asked by e-Formula.news. After all, DS Penske is competing with the same car as its Stellantis sister team Maserati MSG. "Of course, we are taking a step forward with the new package, but we also have to adapt the whole thing to new circumstances. There are many new topics on the agenda for us."

"It's great fun to find new solutions together with the engineers," he summarises his first test drives. "The dialogue with the team was extremely good right from the start: we have the same vision, the same mindset and speak the same language when it comes to performance. For me, these are very exciting weeks and months leading up to the start of the season in Sao Paulo."

"The car is incredibly good," says the German, describing his first impressions. "The all-wheel drive is really phenomenal in terms of performance. You have so much more traction and it's significantly faster on a lap."

"I think the tyres will be a big topic for the new season," says Günther, addressing another new feature. "You have more peak performance from the tyres, so in the end you are faster on a lap. Another limit that we have to look at is the wear of the tyres. If a tyre is faster, then it usually has less longevity. We have very limited tyres available, usually two sets for a normal race day."

"We have a lot to learn"

"We have a lot of topics on the table, such as all-wheel drive and fast charging," the German continued. "These are some innovations, but the tyres are still an issue. We have a lot to learn here in the coming weeks."

The technical adjustments will have a significant impact on lap times, as Günther emphasises: "It varies depending on the track. If I have to give an approximate figure: With four-wheel drive and new tyres, you're at around three seconds per lap. But it can be a little more or a little less."

additional reporting by Timo Pape

"It's quite striking, you have to adapt your driving style to it," he continues. "On the one hand, it's great fun, but it's also a big challenge. I don't think there is any other form of motorsport in the four-wheel sector where you switch between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive."

Günther is sure that this will be a point in the coming season where the pilot will make a difference. "It's a new quality you need to have as a driver. We always talk about how important it is to adapt to new circumstances. But in this case, it really is 'next level' because you can and have to change a lot from one lap to the next in qualifying - at driver level and at car level."

Max Günther will be in action for his new team for the first time at the beginning of November, when the pre-season tests in Madrid are scheduled. The season starts on 7 December in Sao Paulo.