Porsche exploring expanded program for Mueller

Porsche is exploring opportunities for Nico Mueller alongside Formula E following his signing to the manufacturer’s factory driver roster.

The manufacturer confirmed his signing on Wednesday, a day after he was announced as a race driver for customer team Andretti. But while his move to Porsche will initially have him placed at Andretti – which is not only a paying customer, but enjoys a close relationship with Porsche in Formula E – Porsche has also left the door open for him to race in other categories.

“Whether and in which other racing series Nico Mueller will compete for Porsche Motorsport is currently being planned and will be announced at a later date,” Porsche motorsport said in a statement.

Thomas Laudenbach, vice president of Porsche Motorsport, added: “We are delighted to welcome another professional with such extensive and varied motorsport experience to our squad. Nico has already successfully demonstrated his skills in various challenging racing series. Among other things, he has won the Nurburgring 24 Hours and was twice runner-up in the DTM.

“We initially expect his expertise in formula racing to play a crucial role for Porsche’s Formula E program. We will announce at a later date whether and in which other series Nico will also drive for Porsche.”

The Swiss driver previously dovetailed his Formula E commitments with Abt Cupra with a drive in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Peugeot, a role he vacated ahead of his Porsche signing. He is rumored to be in line for a drive in a Porsche 963 next year, though in a customer car, in a similar vein to his Andretti Formula E role.

Mueller, who tested with Porsche’s Formula E operation after the Diriyah E-Prix earlier this year, described joining the Porsche fold as “a childhood dream come true for me”.

“When I first came into contact with Porsche, I immediately realized: this is something very special,” he said. “As a racing driver, Porsche is the brand you look up to. To be able to represent Porsche now is a great honor that fills me with a great deal of pride.”