Abt Cupra has confirmed that Nico Mueller will depart the staff following this weekend’s London E-Prix.
Though the German outfit was eager to retain Mueller for subsequent season, it confirmed that he “has determined to tackle a brand new motorsport problem and depart the staff”.
“It was our want to maintain Nico within the staff and to achieve success with him once more. Now now we have to simply accept his choice and need him all the most effective for the long run”, mentioned Abt CEO and staff principal Thomas Biermaier. “On behalf of the entire staff, I want to thank Nico for his dedication and dedication.
“After all we might all have preferred to have seen extra success, however even in these troublesome occasions he has all the time led the best way and proven sturdy performances. Nico stays a part of the Abt household and is all the time welcome right here.”
Mueller has pushed for the staff for the final two Components E seasons, taking a finest race results of fourth within the second race of the Misano E-Prix this season. He additionally twice completed as championship runner-up in DTM throughout a five-year stint with the staff within the German touring automobile collection.
He has comprehensively outperformed his extra skilled teammate, 2016-17 champion Lucas di Grassi, this season, beating him eight occasions over the 12 races they’ve raced in collectively (Mueller was absent from the Berlin double-header because of World Endurance Championship commitments). He’s presently 10 locations forward of him within the championship.
“That is going to be a really particular weekend for me,” mentioned Mueller. “On the one hand I’m wanting ahead to the situation, the monitor and the followers. Alternatively, I really feel melancholy and lots of gratitude after two years on this staff.
“It was an especially difficult time, nevertheless it additionally introduced us nearer collectively. We’ve all the time pulled collectively and I’m certain that is what we can be doing in London for the final time. We wish to give it our all with the entire staff, benefit from the days and attempt to get two good outcomes.
Mueller has bought the higher hand over di Grassi (entrance) this season. Simon Galloway/Motorsport Photographs
“London is a cool monitor – very tight, with indoor and out of doors sections and partitions, as we all know from Components E. I’ll give all the things to make the staff proud once more yet one more time.”
Mueller was linked with a mid-season transfer to TAG Heuer Porsche to interchange Antonio Felix da Costa earlier this season after reportedly testing with the staff. However a dramatic upturn in kind for da Costa, the place he took 4 wins, together with the final three consecutively – and a fifth that was later stripped because of a technical infringement – has seen him stay.
When approached by RACER, Porsche wouldn’t be drawn on the hyperlink to Mueller, however confirmed that each da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein are contracted with the staff.
“Antonio and Pascal are each contracted to us as Porsche works drivers,” the producer mentioned in an announcement. “Nonetheless, we are going to announce our Season 11 driver line-up at a later stage and in the interim not touch upon any additional speculations.
“As we’re within the combine for all three titles, we’re absolutely centered on the London E-Prix subsequent week.”
Abt, in the meantime, has instructed RACER that the primary of its drivers for subsequent season – the place it is going to staff up with Lola and Yamaha – can be introduced within the subsequent two weeks, with its different coming in a while.
Elsewhere within the paddock, Mueller’s Peugeot WEC teammate Stoffel Vandoorne is reportedly on his means out of DS Penske after two seasons with the staff, though a staff spokesperson instructed RACER “I can’t affirm or deny something at this second,” concerning Vandoorne’s future.
