The announcement that Maximilian Günther would leave DS PENSKE after two seasons sparked the question: was this the right move at this stage of his career? The German driver admitted that this decision was not made lightly – it was neither a slow burner nor a quick decision.
He explained, ‘I came to a point where I just had to make a decision about my future.’ He added, ‘I had different options in Formula E in front of me, and for me, it was very clear what I wanted. I wanted to become a Paysafe Envision driver.’
For Günther, the decision was not based on one individual factor. Instead, it was a combination of different aspects of the team. He credits the team for its vision, suggesting that both its environment and technical package were ‘absolutely the package I wanted to be part of’. With all the right ingredients presented in front of Günther, this new adventure was an easy decision.
“It’s the whole package, actually. I really like the environment. I’ve seen the team, the vision, the quality, and obviously the technical package together with Jaguar as a manufacturer.
“This team has the ingredients. I can see the project, and I wanted to be a part of it. It’s an exciting new era, but even more so, it’s important to have this strong team around you.”
The beginning of the GEN4 Era
Günther has already had the opportunity to test-drive the GEN4 machinery during private testing, and his first impressions were positive. The difference between the GEN3 and GEN4 was noticeable. Günther expressed that, in every element of the car, it was a step forward compared to previous seasons.
‘The top speed is a big difference. They’re really, really fast on the straight lines. The corner speeds are higher. Obviously, the tyres have more grip. You can brake harder.’
‘The car is a lot of fun,’ Günther said. ‘It’s very impressive, the performance.’
However, Günther believes that the improvements to the car are only one half of what it takes to fight for the championship. He places emphasis on another exciting challenge – adapting.
‘You have to adapt, and this is something I very much enjoy.’ He adds, ‘It’s an important part of being a racing driver to have this ability to adapt quickly to a new car.’
Günther is adamant that this new machinery will highlight how electric racing technology has progressed since the first season. He promises that ‘we’re really going to showcase what electric cars are capable of.’
Development with the Jaguar powertrain
Günther’s move meant a new powertrain was on the horizon for him. While Jaguar has been developing its GEN4 package for quite some time, Günther did not shy away from providing feedback from his time behind the wheel.
‘Since the first moment I drove the car, I gave my input about what I feel from the car and what I think will be important for our performance,’ he said.
‘I’ve got full trust in Jaguar as a manufacturer and, obviously, in us as Paysafe Envision, together with Jaguar, as a combination to put together a very strong package.’
Partnership with Zak
Set to make his full-time debut, Zak O’Sullivan is the driver Günther will be sharing the garage with. Despite it being his first time competing in the championship, Günther already sees the potential that he holds. He believes that O’Sullivan is a ‘great addition to the team’.
O’Sullivan has spent a great deal of time developing the car with the engineers. Paired with Günther’s experience after eight fruitful seasons, the difference in their approaches could be beneficial to the team.
Günther speaks highly of the partnership, explaining, ‘I think it will be a great combination of bringing different ideas from different angles to the project, which I think is very important.’
He also believes O’Sullivan has entered the championship at a perfect time. With a fresh start for all drivers because of the new regulations, ‘we start with a little bit of a blank sheet’. Günther has faith in O’Sullivan to trust his own approach, and that will unlock the key to progressing with the team.
Progress over results
Günther has made it apparent that his personal goals align with the team’s season goals. For him, the process of developing as a driver and working effectively with the team is more important than setting a benchmark of impressive results.
‘You probably know quite a bit now in the sense that I’m someone who is obviously always wanting to be at the front and, as a racing driver, you want to win,’ he said.
‘But what for me is much more important is the actual process, and growing as a driver, as a team, and as us two together.’
He highlighted that this approach has driven him throughout his career. Constantly looking for improvements and getting stronger with the team is what will allow him to excel with the team.
Günther will continue testing the Paysafe Envision car during pre-season testing in Madrid in November.
