Mercedes-Benz joining Formula E shows ‘how much world is changing’

Mercedes-Benz’s confirmation of its participation in Formula E from the 2019/2020 season provides further proof of motorsport’s shifting landscape, according to a leading Formula One driver.

The German marque, which has been the dominant forces in F1 – winning constructors’ championships in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – will conclude its participation in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters series at the end of 2018 in what it calls “a strategic repositioning of its motorsport activities.”

Brazilian Formula One driver Felipe Massa was moved to tweet: “Critical moment for @DTM !! And @FIAformulaE growing a lot …”

The Formula E series now has 10 confirmed powertrain manufacturers for season six – more than triple CEO Alejandro Agag’s initial target.

“This shows how much the world is changing, not only in motorsport, but the whole automotive industry,” said Agag.

“We’re witnessing a transformation that will first change our cities, and then our roads.

“Formula E is the championship that embodies that change, and together will all our teams and manufacturers, we’ll keep pushing for technologies to have better and more affordable electric cars.”

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Published 8:33 AM EDT, Tue July 25, 2017

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Episode 9: Electric vehicle odyssey

23:05 - Source: CNN

‘Quite a statement’

Mercedes follows the likes of Renault, Jaguar and BMW in making the transition to all-electric racing.

WATCH: Electric GT - a new racing championship?

READ: How the NIO EP9 smashed the Nurburging lap record

Though the company had initially been offered a chance to hit the grid in 2018/19, Mercedes officials stressed the importance of “properly understanding” Formula E.

“In motorsport, like in every other area, we want to be the benchmark in the premium segment and to explore innovative new projects,” said team boss Toto Wolff.

Visit CNN.com/sport/motorsport for more Formula E news and features

“With Formula 1 and Formula, we have achieved exactly this balance.”

A number of F1 pundits remarked that Mercedes’ decision was very much a sign of the times, with TV presenter Jennie Gow labeling it a “quite a statement.”

Nicki Shields, who presents CNN’s Supercharged series, tweeted: “Incredible news.”

Meanwhile Audi Sport said it welcomed Mercedes-Benz’s entry into Formula E, adding that it “further emphasizes the importance of electric racing.”