Stellantis Brand DS Pulls Out of Formula E, Opel to Take Over

Why It Matters

DS’s exit signals a strategic shift toward maritime technology, potentially accelerating cross‑industry innovations, while Opel’s entry expands Stellantis’s electric‑racing portfolio and brand visibility in the growing Formula E market.

Key Takeaways

• DS exits Formula E after 2025/26 season
• DS shifts focus to SailGP sailing partnership
• Opel will replace DS in Formula E from 2026/27
• DS achieved four titles, 18 wins, 55 podiums in Formula E
• Stellantis retains Citroën presence in Formula E

Pulse Analysis

Since its debut in 2014, DS Automobiles has become one of the most decorated participants in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Over eleven seasons the French marque amassed four drivers’ titles, 18 victories and 55 podium finishes, establishing a strong link between electric‑powertrain development and on‑track performance. The decision to pull out after the 2025/26 season marks the end of a successful era, but also reflects Stellantis’s assessment that the marginal gains from further Formula E involvement are diminishing as the brand looks for fresh sources of innovation.

The new focus on SailGP positions DS within a high‑speed sailing platform that mirrors many of the engineering challenges faced in electric mobility. Competition sailing demands extreme aerodynamic efficiency, lightweight composite structures and advanced data analytics—areas that directly translate to vehicle efficiency, battery cooling and software control systems. By leveraging the SailGP Team France partnership, DS aims to accelerate research on drag reduction and material science, creating a “laboratory on water” that could feed next‑generation EV platforms and reinforce Stellantis’s broader sustainability agenda.

Opel’s entry into Formula E fills the vacancy left by DS and extends Stellantis’s presence across three of its brands in the series, alongside Citroën. The German‑origin marque will field two GSE race cars for a four‑year term, providing a high‑visibility showcase for its electrified models and a testing ground for power‑train refinements. This move not only diversifies Stellantis’s motorsport portfolio but also aligns with Opel’s strategic push toward electric vehicles in Europe, reinforcing brand relevance as consumer demand for zero‑emission mobility accelerates.