Maximilian Günther signs multi-year deal in Envision Formula E switch

Maximilian Günther will race for Envision from the upcoming season after signing a multi-year contract, the Formula E squad has confirmed.

The seven-time race winner arrives as Envision steps up its preparations for the Gen4 era, which formally begins with pre-season testing at the Circuit del Jarama on 16-20 November.

Günther brings eight seasons of Formula E experience to the team. Born in Oberstdorf, the 29-year-old started karting at the age of 10 before moving into single-seaters in 2011.

He finished runner-up in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2016 and third overall the following year, before graduating to Formula 2. His first taste of Formula E came at the 2018 rookie test in Marrakesh, which earned him a reserve role and then a race seat at GEOX Dragon for Season 5. 

The breakthrough followed in his second season, when he won the 2020 Santiago E-Prix at 22 years old to become the youngest race winner in the championship's history, a record that stood until Taylor Barnard's victory in the recent season finale last month.

Günther has often shown strong pace wherever he has held a seat, although that was difficult last campaign with DS Penske. He announced his exit from the outfit following the London finale, where there were already reports of a move to Envision. If given a competitive package, the German can deliver for Envision.

"We are thrilled to announce Max as our newest driver at Paysafe Envision Formula E Team," said team principal Sylvain Filippi.

"Season 13 is going to be an important year for all teams; learning the Gen4 car as well as a new sporting format, which is going to put an even bigger focus on outright pace and speed.

"Max has proven how capable he is at delivering qualifying laps when it matters, as well as podium finishes and race wins.

"We're incredibly excited to start working with him and hit the ground running at pre-season testing in November."

Günther hails Envision's 'exceptional quality'

Günther's Formula E career has seen him race for GEOX, BMW, Nissan, Maserati and DS Penske. Representing big brands has never been an issue, of which Envision is very much one having featured in the series since the very beginning as Virgin Racing.

Envision is opting for an entirely new driver pairing for the start of Gen4, with Günther's team-mate yet to be announced. No matter who he partners, Günther could very easily prove to be a highly underrated signing.

"I'm very happy to become a Paysafe Envision Formula E driver for the Gen4 era and I really look forward to our future together," said Günther.

"The team has a very successful history in Formula E and exceptional quality throughout the organisation. Our aim is to combine our strengths and achieve great success, competing at the very top.

"I truly believe we have all the ingredients to build something really special together. What convinced me about the project was the great environment, the high ambition of the team, the mindset and, of course, the excellent technical package together with Jaguar.

"I'm proud to become part of the team and have a fantastic feeling about our future."