Mitch Evans to leave Jaguar at end of Formula E season

Jaguar has confirmed that Mitch Evans will leave the team at the end of the current Formula E season, ending a partnership that began in 2015.

The New Zealander had been tipped for an exit from the Big Cat for much of the season, something which is now certain to happen.

It is widely expected that Evans will join Opel for the start of Gen4, with RacingNews365 understanding that Stoffel Vandoorne will be promoted from reserve to a full-time seat at Jaguar.

Evans and Jaguar splitting by mutual consent brings to an end one of the longest relationships in the history of Formula E, with the driver having never raced for another team in the championship.

He joined the British manufacturer for its first season in the all-electric series in 2016 and has gone on to break the record for most wins in the category.

Despite his impending exit, he remains very much in contention for the drivers' title, something he has never achieved but has come incredibly close to in the past.

"To have been with Jaguar TCS Racing right from the beginning and achieved so much success throughout the last ten years in Formula E has been incredible," said Evans. 

"It has been a memorable experience and there have been so many highlights throughout our journey together, but the time is right to embark on a new challenge for next season.

"I am grateful to Jaguar for the opportunity to race for such an iconic brand and will be giving my all to win the Drivers’ World Championship this season while working closely with my team-mate and friend António [Félix da Costa] as we battle for the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ World titles."

Evans leaving has felt inevitable since pre-season, when he revealed that he was not involved in Jaguar's development of its Gen4 car. 

Radio tension has been present at times this year, particularly in the most recent race in Madrid. Nevertheless, Evans' stint with Jaguar has been a formidable one. 

"The partnership between Jaguar TCS Racing and Mitch has been synonymous with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship," said Jaguar team boss, Ian James. "Through his huge successes achieved with the team
over the course of the past decade, Mitch has cemented his place in Jaguar’s motorsport history.  

"Both Mitch and the team have reached this decision together and, with 11 races still remaining in our partnership, we will be doing everything we can at Jaguar TCS Racing to ensure we continue to support Mitch’s efforts in the Drivers’ World Championship, as well as our fight for the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ World Championships.

"Throughout my time in Formula E Mitch has been a formidable competitor and superbly gifted racing driver. His record-breaking number of wins have all been achieved with Jaguar, so on behalf of the whole Jaguar TCS Racing team, I’d like to thank Mitch and wish him all the best for the future."