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Formula E

The chance for Müller to stun Formula E pacesetters

Nico Müller was recently announced as a Porsche works driver.

Müller ABT
Article
To news overview © Sam Bagnall / Formula E

It has been a very good off-season already for Nico Müller, with the Swiss driver having agreed deals with not one but two teams. 

Ahead of the Formula E season finale in London last month, it was announced by ABT Cupra that it would be Müller's last weekend with the team. 

Müller returned to FE in Season 9 with ABT, who had also spent a season away from the all-electric series like the 32-year-old. 

During his initial stints in FE during Seasons 6 and 7, Müller never really set the paddock alight, with his personal best result having been – and still being – second for Dragon/Penske Autosport in Valencia in 2021. 

Despite minimal FE success in his first 18 months in the series, he was always recognised as an extremely talented driver, in particular by ABT who he finished runner-up with twice in DTM. 

It was no real surprise that the Kempten-based team opted to sign Müller for its return to the championship, with the driver having rewarded the team for its faith. 

In a weak package, Müller excelled throughout Season 9 and 10, with him having been a regular in the duels and in the points in the recently completed season. 

He came just 0.050s short of a podium in Misano, in what remains as arguably his greatest FE performance to-date. Müller often finished comfortably ahead of drivers in much better packages, catching the attention of one of motorsport's biggest manufacturers. 

Porsche faith

Porsche knew about Müller ever since Florian Modlinger joined the German manufacturer from ABT at the start of Season 8, with the team principal having worked with the Swiss driver. 

Speculation that the Stuttgart-based outfit was interested in Müller started earlier this year, when The Race revealed that a secret test had taken place involving the two. 

At the time, it was rumoured that Müller could replace Antonio Felix da Costa and partner Pascal Wehrlein, although the Season 6 champion's staggering turn of form ensured that he retained his seat for Season 11. 

Porsche remained keen on Müller though, who ended the most recent season on 52 points, just nine shy of a spot in the top 10 despite having an underwhelming car. 

It was already speculated in London that Müller would replace Norman Nato at Andretti – Porsche's customer team – a deal which was confirmed earlier this week. 

A day after Andretti announced the signing of Müller, Porsche revealed that it had signed Müller to become a works driver of the manufacturer. 

Porsche clearly see a future with Müller to have tied him down as a works driver, with there being the possibility that he could compete in another category for the company alongside FE. 

This is currently being explored by Porsche, whilst an impressive season with Andretti could potentially even see him replace da Costa in the factory FE team.

For the first time in his FE career, Müller will have a car that can compete for regular podiums and even victories. It would come as no surprise if he disrupts the usual FE pacesetters of Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans, Wehrlein, Oliver Rowland and even new team-mate Jake Dennis. 

Müller is the ultimate dark horse for Season 11, and the faith Porsche has put in him is a clear sign that they can see how far he could potentially go.

Also interesting:

In the latest episode of the RacingNews365 podcast, Nick, Sam and Ian look back on the first half of the 2024 F1 season. Their favourite moments are discussed, as is Lewis Hamilton's recent return to form. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' title fight is also assessed.

Rather watch the podcast? Then CLICK HERE!

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