Frijns leaves Envision team

Envision Racing has announced that Robin Frijns will depart the team after six seasons across two stints with the British-based Formula E squad.

Frijns moved to Envision – then known as Envision Virgin Racing – ahead of the 2018-19 season after two campaigns with Andretti, then returned to the team for the 2023-24 season after one year with Abt.

His best season with Envision was his first, in which he took both of his Formula E race victories – in Paris and New York City – and finished fourth in the championship. He also took all but one of his 16 Formula E podiums with the team across his two spells there.

However, in a year blighted by bad luck and misfortune, Frijns wound up 19th in the standings in his final season with Envision. He failed to start the first race of the season in Sao Paulo due to a brake system failure on the grid, and only managed a best result of seventh in the first London race.

“Throughout Robin’s six seasons with Envision Racing, he has delivered excellent results and cracking drives, and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a talented driver,” said Envision Racing team principal Sylvain Filippi. “His two victories and numerous podiums stand out, but also his raw speed and ability to deliver a lap when it mattered. He’s been a fierce competitor and a valued part of our team.

“Formula E is an ever-evolving championship, and for us, the time has come for an exciting new change. We look forward to announcing our Season 12 line-up shortly.”

Frijns is expected to focus on his sports car commitments going forward. For the last two seasons he’s dovetailed his Formula E drive with a spot in BMW’s Hypercar line-up across the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA. He sat out of both Berlin races in 2023-24 in order to race in the WEC round at Spa-Francorchamps, but focused on Formula E this season, opting to miss the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo which clashed with the Berlin doubleheader.

Stoffel Vandoorne is considered the frontrunner to take over Frijns' seat at Envision. The Belgian is expected to depart Maserati MSG Racing along with current teammate Jake Hughes following the soon-to-be-announced signings of Nick Cassidy and Taylor Barnard to the Stellantis fold. While Cassidy is tipped for the MSG squad – which is thought to be in line for a rebrand next season – Barnard is expected to drive for DS Penske alongside Maximilian Guenther, with incumbent Jean-Eric Vergne expected to be moved to partner Cassidy.