Stoffel Vandoorne finds surprise new Formula E home after Maserati exit

In a surprise turn of events, Jaguar has announced the signing of 2022 Formula E world champion Stoffel Vandoorne as its new reserve driver. 

With Jaguar's former reserve driver Joel Eriksson having moved to Envision in a full-time seat, the Big Cat has been searching for a replacement. 

It has found its replacement in Vandoorne, who will join Tom Dillmann on its reserve drivers list – Dillmann enters his sixth year as a simulator and reserve driver for Jaguar.

For Vandoorne, the move to a Jaguar reserve role falls after parting ways with Stellantis, which has seen the Belgian leave the company in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship.

Last season, Vandoorne competed for Stellantis' Maserati outfit in Formula E, claiming a shock victory in Tokyo. 

However, with Maserati being replaced by Citroën, it opted for an entirely new driver pairing in Nick Cassidy and Jean-Eric Vergne. 

Crucially, the move to Jaguar keeps Vandoorne in the paddock, and keeps doors open for Gen4 at the end of 2026. 

It also adds pressure on Mitch Evans and Antonio Felix da Costa to perform, as well as Sebastien Buemi and Eriksson at Jaguar's customer outfit, Envision.

"I’m thrilled to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing as reserve driver for the upcoming season," said Vandoorne. 

"It’s a team I’ve long admired for its performance and professionalism, and I’m excited to contribute to their continued success. 

"I’m looking forward to supporting the team both on and off the track and helping push the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 to its full potential."

Jaguar's pre-season preparations

It has been a busy few days for Jaguar ahead of pre-season testing next week, at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia. 

In addition to announcing the signing of Vandoorne, it has also confirmed Jamie Chadwick and Juju Noda for the second edition of Formula E's women's test. 

A full day of running will be conducted next Friday for the women's test, which was first introduced in Madrid on the final day of pre-season testing a year ago. 

To complete a busy week for the Oxfordshire-based outfit, a new livery has been revealed.