His future with Andretti is secure, now Jake Dennis is turning his attention to Formula E’s future.
Eighth in the standings, freshly re-signed, and already looking ahead, Jake Dennis is approaching the season’s midpoint with clarity. Speaking after confirming his future with Andretti, the former champion outlined where he wants to improve and why the next generation of Formula E has him excited.
Confidence in Andretti
After months of negotiations, Dennis and Andretti have extended their partnership. Dennis, who joined the team back in 2021, has renewed until at least 2027. After five years with Andretti, the 2022/23 Champion admitted consistency was the most appealing aspect of renewing with them.
“Continuity is super important, I’ve been with these guys for five years now and I’ll be continuing with them for many more… I think my side of the garage has been well structured and I’ve had the same engineer for four years now.”
The 30-year-old admitted flexibility was another key aspect to his signing. Outside of Formula E, Andretti have allowed Dennis to go and do explore other forms of motorsport.
Since 2018, he has partnered with Red Bull as a Test Driver, a role more important than ever as Formula 1 introduced electric elements. Additionally Dennis serves as factory driver for BMW. While Dennis admits he won’t be competing in Le Mans until the driver weight limit improves, he is interested in a potential drive.
Roger Griffiths, who’s been with Andretti since their inception in Formula E, has played an influential role in Dennis’ career. Speaking about his Team Principal, Dennis praised his laidback leadership style.
“He understands that my engineer, my mechanics and my performance engineer are the people that make me go fast. He doesn’t ever try to get involved in that… If we’re fast, he won’t be the first person to take the limelight.
With a new generation of Formula E looming over the field, Dennis is confident in his future with Andretti.
Dennis’ Season 12 So Far…
With a bag of mixed results, Dennis currently sits eighth in the Formula E Drivers’ Championship. Less than 20 behind championship leader Pascal Wehrlein, the Brit is still in the fight to secure his second championship. However, the fight to stay at the top is getting tougher and tougher.
“I think he’s [Wehrlien] is the only driver this year to score points in every race… it just shows the level and how hard it is now to be consistent”
After securing his first victory of the season back in São Paulo, Dennis is confident Andretti can secure another podium. With five different winners over the first five rounds and race strategies constantly changing, Dennis believes knowledge and adaptability are key heading into the second half of Season 12.
The Future of Formula E
When next season rolls around, a new generation of Formula E cars will be on track. The Gen 4 cars, which was announced last November, includes 600kW of power available as well as active all-wheel drive in every phase of the race. This doesn’t just allow for faster racing, but more wheel to wheel action.
“I’ve only heard from a handful of drivers what it’s [the Gen4 car] like, but it’s all been real;;y positive things of how much quicker it is, the acceleration, the top speed. It’s an exciting time in Formula E.”
It’s not just a new generation of car that’s exciting Dennis, new tracks and locations are also on the cards for Formula E in the coming years. While the London Excel Circuit has been dropped from the calendar, a new British venue is likely to be selected soon. Additionally, Madrid has joined the calendar for the 2025/26 Season. While Formula E’s expansion through Asia continues, with China getting a second track on the calendar with the Sanya Street Circuit.
Eventually, Dennis would like to race in Australia, suggesting Sydney as a potential new venue. While it may be unlikely at the moment due to a new generation of cars and increased freight costs, a race in Australia would open the doors to a new Formula E market.
Formula E returns on the 20th of March at Circuito Permanente Del Jarama in Madrid.
Feature Image Credit: Formula E