Wright appointed team principal at Fortescue Zero

The new Fortescue Zero Racing Formula E team has announced that former Formula 1 team executive Jim Wright will be its team principal.

Wright, who counts Williams F1, Scuderia Toro Rosso, and Virgin Racing among his former employers – as well as Mahindra, Venturi, and most recently Andretti in Formula E – will head the team formed after mining and energy firm Fortescue announced it had taken over the assets of the DS Penske team last week.

“I am excited to join Fortescue Zero at a significant moment in the company’s motorsport and technology journey,” Wright said. “Fortescue Zero has a clear ambition to compete at the highest level, while also using motorsport to accelerate real-world technology.

“Formula E is one of the most competitive and technically demanding championships in the world. Building a new team for the next generation of Formula E is a major challenge, and exactly the kind of opportunity that motivates me.”

Wright fills a role previously occupied by Phil Charles, who took over running of the DS Penske team in 2024 after a spell with Jaguar, which will coincidentally supply Fortescue Zero with powertrains for the upcoming season. Charles’ next career move is currently unconfirmed.

“Jim brings an extraordinary depth of experience across the commercial, sporting and operational sides of motorsport,” said Fortescue Zero Electromobility chief technology officer Travis Hester. “He understands Formula E from every angle and knows what it takes to build a competitive team in one of the world’s most demanding racing series.

Driver-wise, Taylor Barnard – winner of the team's final race as DS Penske – is expected to remain. Maximilian Guenther has already jumped ship to fellow Jaguar customer Envision Racing with former Envision man Joel Eriksson and out-of-contract Cupra Kiro race winner Dan Ticktum among those in the frame to take his place.