Envision has officially confirmed that Sebastien Buemi has signed a new multi-year contract, keeping him in Formula E with the team for at least the next two seasons.
This means the Season 2 champion will be on the grid for Gen4 at the end of 2026, following the upcoming final campaign of the Gen3 era, which gets underway in December.
RacingNews365 revealed earlier this summer that Buemi had indicated a deal was being signed to enter a fourth season with Envision; however, he initially raised concerns about the length of the contract.
Concerns over possible clashes between the Formula E and World Endurance Championship calendars in 2027 had led to suggestions that a multi-year deal would be off the table; however, a solution appears to have been found.
Buemi suggested in Berlin that exit clauses could be included to allow a departure at the end of next season, should calendar clashes arise – though there will be none in 2026.
The news comes a fortnight after Robin Frijns’ exit from the team was announced, with his replacement still to be revealed.
"I’m really happy to re-sign with Envision Racing," said Buemi. "We have enjoyed plenty of great moments and results together over the past three seasons, and I am very excited and motivated to add to this.
"Season 11 was a good year for me personally, achieving the win in Monaco and podiums which have been a great boost for us to keep working hard and achieve more this season."
The recently completed season was a much-improved one for Buemi after a difficult spell during the first two years of Gen3.
His victory in Monaco – which ended a six-year winless streak – was the clear highlight, but his overall performance was much more reminiscent of the Buemi of old.
Retaining Buemi for the 2025/26 season and at least the first campaign of Gen4 ensures that Envision will keep one of the most experienced figures in the paddock – something that could prove invaluable.
"We are delighted to confirm that Seb will remain part of the team," said team principal Sylvain Filippi.
"His experience and technical insight have been instrumental in advancing both our car and our overall performance. We’re confident he will continue to drive us forward and deliver strong results."
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Why multi-year Buemi deal is smart business
Although Buemi's continuation with Envision has been known in the paddock for some time, the multi-year nature of his deal was far less widely understood.
Following Frijns' departure, securing Buemi for at least two more seasons is a clever move by Envision for several reasons.
In the short term, Buemi’s vast experience and recent return to form give Envision the flexibility to take a calculated risk with Frijns’ replacement.
They could opt for a less experienced driver – or even a rookie – for Season 12, confident that Buemi can deliver consistent points when the package is competitive. That approach would also allow the team to nurture and develop a young talent ahead of a serious push in Gen4.
On the other hand, the deal gives Envision time to identify the ideal long-term partner for Buemi as Formula E enters its next regulatory cycle, especially given the major differences in the machinery itself and the driving style it could suit.
As for Buemi himself, very few – if any – can match his technical feedback, a quality that will prove invaluable as Envision navigates its Gen4 development.
Operating as a customer team is no easy task. With limited opportunities to test and fine-tune the supplied package before hitting the track, every detail matters.
There’s a clear reason why the Swiss driver continues to work with some of the biggest teams in global motorsport. He’s not only blisteringly quick, but his feedback is known for its clarity and precision.
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner often praised Buemi for his simulator work, crediting him with helping the team turn around entire race weekends.
Buemi's enthusiasm for the next generation of Formula E is also hard to miss. When discussing Gen4 with him last season, a smile appeared on his face every time the topic came up.
He clearly likes what’s on the horizon for the series – and that excitement will only fuel his motivation to ensure Envision’s package is as competitive as possible.
For Envision, this is an excellent position to be in. But with 2027 potentially bringing calendar clashes, could it all be undone?
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