P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A Formula E/World Endurance Championship scheduling clash is already “kind of ridiculous” for those involved in both series. That’s only made worse by the current lack of flexibility that means some FE teams will be without their regulars for the full Berlin double-header
Three Formula E teams are waiting on a ruling from the FIA regarding a regulatory conflict that will determine their drivers for the second part of the Berlin double-header in May. The clash stems from the first race coinciding with the World Endurance Championship at Spa. Eight drivers, amounting to over a third of the Formula E field, are juggling commitments in both WEC and FE this season. This situation could lead to drivers like Buemi, Frijns, de Vries, and Mueller missing the Saturday race due to contractual obligations with WEC. Proposed solutions by the FIA aim to allow the Spa drivers to compete in the Sunday race in Berlin. However, this proposal might face opposition from rival teams who prioritize Formula E over dual programs. Envision, particularly affected with both its drivers at risk of missing races, expresses frustration at the need for driver replacements. The clash between Berlin and Spa is reminiscent of a previous incident in 2017 when Buemi had to miss a Formula E race due to a WEC scheduling conflict, affecting his championship standings.
