Pascal Wehrlein
Pascal Wehrlein (born 18 October 1994) is a German professional racing driver best known as the 2023–24 ABB FIA Formula E World Champion and the youngest-ever DTM champion.[1][2] Competing for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team since the 2020/21 season, Wehrlein secured the drivers' title in Season 10 (2023/24) with three race wins and six podium finishes, marking Porsche's first championship in the series.[1] He finished third in the 2024–25 season with one win and five podiums.[3] His career spans karting, touring cars, Formula 1, and electric racing, highlighted by a rapid rise through junior formulas and a transition to endurance events in 2025.[2] Wehrlein's early career began in karting in 2003, leading to successes in single-seaters such as second place in the 2012 Formula 3 Euro Series.[1] He debuted in the DTM at age 18 in 2013, becoming the series' youngest pole-sitter and race winner the following year before clinching the 2015 title with two victories and five podiums for Mercedes-AMG.[2] As a Mercedes reserve driver from 2014, he made his Formula 1 debut with Manor Racing in 2016, scoring one point with a tenth-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix to end the season 21st overall.[4] In 2017, driving for Sauber, he added three points—including a career-best eighth place in Spain—to finish 18th in the standings, marking the team's only points that year.[5] After returning to DTM in 2018 and serving as Ferrari's simulator driver in 2020, Wehrlein entered Formula E with Mahindra Racing for the 2018/19 season, earning a podium and pole in his debut year.[1] Joining Porsche as a factory driver in 2020, he claimed his first Formula E victory in Mexico City in 2021 and steadily built toward the championship, with additional wins in Diriyah (2023) and Jakarta (2023).[2] In 2025, Wehrlein expanded into endurance racing, finishing sixth on debut at the Daytona 24 Hours and ninth at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche's 963 LMDh car.[6][7] He continues with Porsche in Formula E for the 2025/26 season alongside teammate Nico Müller.[8]Early life and personal background
Early life
Pascal Wehrlein was born on 18 October 1994 in Sigmaringen, Germany.[9] He is the son of a German father, Richard Wehrlein, a former boxer who competed in German championships, and a mother from Mauritius.[10][9] Raised in Germany, Wehrlein's multicultural background, blending German and Mauritian influences, shaped his early years in the Swabian region.[9] From a young age, Wehrlein displayed a strong passion for motorsport, particularly Formula One. Around the age of four or five, he would wake his father early in the morning—often at five or six a.m.—to watch live F1 races broadcast from Australia, demonstrating his early fascination with the sport.[10] This enthusiasm culminated in attending his first live race at age five in Ockenheim around 1999 or 2000, an experience that solidified his ambition to become a racing driver.[10] Wehrlein's initial exposure to go-karting came during his childhood in Germany, where he spent time at local tracks before entering formal competition. After persistently convincing his parents for three years starting around age five, he began karting at age eight with indoor sessions every Tuesday, marking the start of his hands-on involvement in the sport without structured racing at that stage.[10]Personal life
Wehrlein is married to Sibel Levent. The couple welcomed their daughter, Soleya, on February 15, 2023.[11][12] As of 2025, they have one child.[13] The family resides in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Constance, where they built a home to enjoy the region's natural beauty and proximity to Porsche's facilities.[9][14] This location provides a serene environment for family life, with Wehrlein noting the motivational presence of his loved ones during races.[9] Born to a German father and Mauritian mother, Wehrlein holds dual German-Mauritian nationality, which has fostered a strong sense of connection to both cultures; he often highlights his Mauritian roots through family symbols like a cross necklace from his mother and participates in events celebrating his heritage in Mauritius.[15][14][16] This background influences his global perspective, blending European discipline with island resilience in his personal identity and approach to life.[9] In his free time, Wehrlein prioritizes physical fitness through regular training, alongside outdoor pursuits like snowboarding and wakeboarding.[17] He also enjoys traveling to tranquil natural settings, such as forests, lakes, and coastal areas, reflecting his upbringing in rural Germany.[18] Additionally, he has engaged in sim racing events, indicating an interest in video games as a competitive outlet.[19] Through his role with Porsche in Formula E, Wehrlein supports environmental initiatives, emphasizing sustainable technologies and innovation to address climate challenges.[20]Junior racing career
Karting
Pascal Wehrlein began his competitive karting career in 2003 at the age of eight, participating in local events with German clubs to build his foundational skills in motorsport.[21][22] Wehrlein's early progression through junior categories yielded his first national title in 2007, when he won the DMV Bundesmeisterschaft Junior championship with 385 points, outperforming rivals like Steven Hees and Benjamin Kutzera.[23][24] In 2008, he claimed victory in the Stefan-Bellof Pokal while finishing sixth in the German Junior Karting Championship, demonstrating consistent performance in national competition.[24][25] Advancing to the more demanding KF2 class in 2009, Wehrlein secured the German KF2 Championship title racing for the KSM team, a significant achievement that highlighted his growing talent under the guidance of Michael Schumacher's karting program.[26] He also competed in the ADAC Kart Masters - KF2 that year, ending fifth overall with notable results across multiple rounds.[27][28] His karting phase concluded after the 2009 season, paving the way for his entry into single-seater racing.[29]ADAC Formel Masters
In 2011, Pascal Wehrlein competed in his second season in the ADAC Formel Masters, driving for Mücke Motorsport in a Dallara chassis powered by a 1.6-litre Volkswagen engine.[30][31] Building on his sixth-place finish from his single-seater debut the previous year, Wehrlein dominated the 24-race calendar, securing 8 victories and amassing 331 points to clinch the drivers' championship ahead of Emil Bernstorff.[32] His strong qualifying performances included multiple pole positions, while he also set several fastest laps, contributing to a consistent run that featured five consecutive wins mid-season.[30] Wehrlein's title triumph came at the Hockenheim finale, where he wrapped up the championship at the age of 17, showcasing his rapid adaptation to open-wheel racing mechanics after a karting background that honed his chassis-handling skills.[30] The victory highlighted his potential as a rising talent in German junior formulas, with his eight race wins establishing him as the series' standout performer that year.[32] The championship success earned Wehrlein significant recognition, including financial support from ADAC and Volkswagen Motorsport for his progression to the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2012.[31] This scholarship opportunity marked a pivotal step in his career, transitioning him from entry-level single-seaters to more competitive European open-wheel racing.Formula 3
In 2012, Pascal Wehrlein advanced to the Formula 3 Euro Series with Mücke Motorsport, competing in the Dallara F312 chassis equipped with a Mercedes engine.[25] As a rookie, he quickly adapted to the international competition, achieving consistent top finishes that highlighted his potential against more experienced drivers.[33] Wehrlein secured one victory in Race 2 at the Nürburgring and amassed 10 podiums across the season, including strong showings at circuits like Hockenheim and the Norisring, where incidents affected outcomes but underscored his racecraft.[30] These results propelled him to second place in the drivers' standings with 229 points, narrowly behind champion Daniel Juncadella by 11 points, while also claiming the rookie honors.[33] His performance in the Euro Series, building on his prior ADAC Formel Masters title, established him as a rising talent ready for senior categories.[33] The following year, Wehrlein shifted focus toward touring cars but began 2013 with a limited campaign in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, again with Mücke Motorsport using the Dallara F312-Mercedes setup.[25] He participated exclusively in the season-opening round at Monza, where wet weather in Race 2 played to his strengths, allowing him to take victory from pole after starting under safety car conditions amid heavy rain.[34] In the weekend's other races, he added a second-place finish in Race 3 behind Raffaele Marciello, contributing to three podiums overall from the event.[35] This brief but impactful stint yielded 49 points, placing him 14th in the final standings despite only three starts, before he committed fully to DTM with the same team.[25] Wehrlein's Formula 3 tenure also included a notable appearance at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2012, where he finished fourth in a field of top junior prospects.[36] Driving for Mücke Motorsport, his strong qualifying and race pace on the demanding Guia Circuit demonstrated maturity beyond his years, earning praise from scouts and significantly advancing his profile toward Formula 1 opportunities.[37] This result, combined with his Euro Series consistency, solidified his path from domestic success to global recognition in open-wheel racing.[33]DTM career
2013 season (Mücke Motorsport)
Pascal Wehrlein entered the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2013 as an 18-year-old rookie, becoming the youngest driver in the series' history when he debuted for Mücke Motorsport, a Mercedes-AMG customer team.[38] Driving the Mercedes-Benz C-Coupé, Wehrlein transitioned from his Formula 3 background, where he had recently competed for the same team, to the more demanding GT-style touring car format characterized by heavier vehicles, robust chassis, and close-quarters wheel-to-wheel racing on diverse circuits.[25] This shift presented significant adaptation challenges, including mastering the car's handling under high downforce and managing tire wear in longer stints compared to the agile open-wheel machinery of junior single-seaters.[30] Wehrlein's season consisted of all 10 rounds, where he scored 3 points to finish 22nd in the drivers' standings, with his tally coming from 10th-place finishes at Brands Hatch and the Red Bull Ring amid a competitive field dominated by Audi and BMW manufacturers. However, incidents hampered progress, including a start-line contact with Edoardo Mortara at the Lausitzring that sent him into the gravel trap, ending his race early, and a retirement at the Norisring after wall contact damaged his rear axle—despite having qualified fifth in scorching conditions exceeding 30°C.[39][40] Wehrlein also recorded one fastest lap, highlighting his pace potential despite the inexperience.[25] At Mücke Motorsport, Wehrlein shared the two-car Mercedes lineup with fellow rookie Daniel Juncadella, both supported by the Mercedes junior program, fostering a collaborative environment focused on development rather than immediate contention for wins. As a smaller customer outfit compared to Mercedes' factory HWA team, Mücke emphasized driver coaching and setup optimization to bridge the gap to established rivals, though the squad managed only modest results overall, with Juncadella outperforming Wehrlein by finishing 14th with 11 points. Wehrlein's efforts earned recognition for his raw talent, positioning him as a promising prospect despite the season's hurdles and laying groundwork for his rapid progression in subsequent years.[38]2014–2015 seasons (HWA Team)
In 2014, Pascal Wehrlein joined the HWA Team as a Mercedes-Benz driver, marking a significant step in his DTM career after a rookie season with Mücke Motorsport. Driving the Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, he demonstrated rapid adaptation and consistency, securing multiple podium finishes and becoming a key contributor to Mercedes' efforts against dominant BMW and Audi squads. His season highlight came at the Lausitzring, where he claimed pole position and victory in mixed conditions, becoming the youngest race winner in DTM history at age 19.[41] Wehrlein ended the year eighth in the drivers' standings with 46 points, establishing himself as Mercedes' emerging lead talent within the HWA squad.[1] Wehrlein's role as HWA's primary driver intensified in 2015, where he piloted an evolved Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupé DTM featuring refined aerodynamics for improved downforce and handling on diverse circuits. Retained by Mercedes amid high expectations, he mounted a title challenge against strong opposition from Audi, particularly in intense on-track battles with Mattias Ekström, who frequently pressured him in the points fight during wet and dry conditions alike. Wehrlein secured two victories—at the Norisring street circuit through aggressive overtaking and at Moscow Raceway by passing race leader Marco Wittmann late in the event—alongside five podiums that underscored his maturity.[1][42] Despite clashes with Audi drivers like Miguel Molina, who claimed a breakthrough win at the Nürburgring while Wehrlein finished fifth, the German maintained composure to clinch the drivers' championship with 169 points, 40 ahead of Ekström.[43][44] This triumph made Wehrlein the youngest DTM champion ever at 20 years old, solidifying HWA's status as a Mercedes powerhouse.[45]2018 season (HWA Team)
After failing to secure a full-time Formula One seat for 2018, Wehrlein returned to the DTM with the HWA Team, driving the updated Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM as part of Mercedes' final season in the series before their withdrawal at the end of the year.[46] He balanced this commitment with his role as a reserve driver for the Mercedes-AMG F1 team, participating in all 10 rounds of the 20-race calendar under the series' Class 1 regulations, which emphasized standardized aerodynamics and improved safety features introduced the previous year.[47] This part-time arrangement across motorsport disciplines tested his adaptability, as he split time between DTM race weekends and F1 testing duties. Wehrlein's season began competitively at the Hockenheimring opener, where he scored 18 points across the two races with a fourth-place finish in the first and sixth in the second, marking a strong re-entry after two years away from touring cars.[48] He maintained consistency with top-10 finishes in subsequent events, including fourth at Zandvoort and fifth at the Norisring, but faced challenges adapting to the competitive field dominated by Mercedes teammates Gary Paffett and Paul di Resta. His highlight came at the Lausitzring in May, where he secured third place in the second race behind winner Paffett, earning his sole podium of the campaign and demonstrating the C63 DTM's potential on home soil.[49] Despite the podium, Wehrlein struggled for further breakthroughs amid intense intra-team rivalry and the series' transition dynamics, ending the year eighth in the drivers' standings with 108 points—his best results contributing significantly to HWA's efforts in Mercedes' swan-song season.[50] This performance underscored his enduring talent in DTM machinery, though it was overshadowed by Paffett's championship victory, prompting Wehrlein's subsequent shift to Formula E with Mahindra Racing.[51]Formula One career
Manor Racing (2016)
Pascal Wehrlein made his full Formula One debut in 2016 with Manor Racing, signing a one-year contract as the team's lead driver at the age of 21, following his success as Mercedes' reserve driver and 2015 DTM champion.[52] He replaced part-time driver Roberto Merhi from the previous season, partnering initially with Rio Haryanto, who was announced shortly after.[53] The team, rebranded from Marussia and operating under financial constraints as a backmarker outfit, fielded the MRT05 chassis powered by Mercedes engines, which showed incremental progress but struggled with overall pace against midfield rivals.[54] Wehrlein contested all 21 races, starting from his debut at the Australian Grand Prix where he qualified 21st and finished 16th after a steady but unremarkable run. His season was marked by consistent efforts to extract the maximum from the uncompetitive car, achieving his best qualifying result of 12th at the Austrian Grand Prix, Manor's first entry into Q2 that year.[55] In races, he scored the team's sole point with a 10th-place finish in Austria, capitalizing on late retirements and a strong defensive drive to hold off faster cars in the closing laps.[56] Other notable performances included 13th-place finishes in Bahrain and China, though he encountered setbacks like a qualifying crash in China due to standing water and several retirements from mechanical issues or incidents.[4] Against his teammates, Wehrlein demonstrated clear superiority, outqualifying Haryanto 10-2 across their 12 shared races and outperforming him in race results 9-1, with Haryanto's stronger showings limited to qualifying in China and Spain.[57] When Esteban Ocon replaced Haryanto midway through the season due to funding issues, Wehrlein continued to dominate, outqualifying the rookie 7-2 across their nine shared events and finishing ahead in seven races. Despite these personal highlights, the MRT05's limitations kept Manor at the rear of the field, with Wehrlein often starting from 17th to 22nd on the grid and focusing on clean survival runs rather than point contention.[58] The season concluded amid growing financial instability for Manor, which entered administration in January 2017 after failing to secure a buyer or additional investment, ultimately leading to the team's collapse and Wehrlein's release from his contract.[59] This marked the end of Wehrlein's tenure with the squad, though his performances earned praise for punching above the car's weight in a challenging debut year.[60]Sauber (2017)
Wehrlein signed with the Sauber team for the 2017 Formula One season, replacing Felipe Nasr and partnering Marcus Ericsson, with the squad powered by Ferrari engines under the new regulations.[61] However, a back injury sustained in a crash at the January Race of Champions event forced him to miss the opening two races in Australia and China, where he was substituted by Antonio Giovinazzi.[62] Wehrlein returned for the Bahrain Grand Prix, qualifying 13th and finishing 11th in the Sauber C36, marking a solid comeback despite the team's midfield limitations.[63] Over the full campaign, he started 18 of 20 races, consistently outperforming his teammate by outqualifying Ericsson 11-7 across their 18 shared sessions.[64] The Sauber C36, featuring Ferrari's 2017 power unit, represented a step forward in aerodynamics and reliability compared to the previous year's car, allowing occasional midfield battles, though the team remained at the rear of the grid for much of the season. Wehrlein's highlights included his career-best qualifying of 12th at the Singapore Grand Prix and strong race paces in several events.[5] He secured the team's only points with an eighth-place finish in Spain via an effective one-stop strategy, earning four points, followed by a 10th in Azerbaijan for one more, totaling five championship points and finishing 18th overall.[65][66] Notable incidents included a collision with Jenson Button's McLaren during Monaco qualifying, resulting in a heavy impact and a 19th-place start, from which he recovered to 15th before retiring on lap 40 due to a technical issue.[67] Despite these challenges and the C36's shortcomings, Wehrlein's consistent pace and point-scoring efforts in a resource-limited team bolstered his reputation as a capable driver, demonstrating adaptability from his prior Manor experience. Sauber ended the year last in the constructors' standings with five points, all from Wehrlein.[68]Ferrari reserve driver (2019–2020)
In early 2019, Pascal Wehrlein was appointed as a development and simulator driver for Scuderia Ferrari and its customer team Alfa Romeo Racing, alongside Brendon Hartley, Antonio Fuoco, and Davide Rigon. He was based at the Maranello headquarters, with his core duties centered on simulator operations.[69] This role leveraged Wehrlein's prior Formula One experience from Manor Racing and Sauber to aid in car setup evaluations, aerodynamic testing simulations, and overall performance optimization for the 2019 season.[70] Wehrlein's contributions extended to supporting race preparations through virtual lap analysis and feedback sessions, helping refine strategies without on-track involvement. As a reserve driver within the Ferrari ecosystem, he also assisted Alfa Romeo by providing insights during grand prix weekends, though he did not step in for any race duties. His work emphasized conceptual improvements in vehicle dynamics and tire management simulations, drawing on his DTM and Formula E background for diverse perspectives.[71] Ferrari retained Wehrlein for the 2020 season in his development driver capacity, designating him as the team's third driver alongside Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel. The COVID-19 pandemic, which postponed the early races, amplified the value of his simulator efforts, enabling continuous data analysis and virtual testing amid travel restrictions. Wehrlein focused on mentoring academy juniors like Shwartzman and Ilott while contributing to long-term development projects, but he recorded no on-track appearances or race starts. At the conclusion of 2020, Wehrlein departed Ferrari to commit fully to Porsche's Formula E program beginning in the 2020–21 season.[72][17]Formula E career
2018–19 season (Mahindra Racing)
Pascal Wehrlein joined Mahindra Racing for the 2018–19 ABB FIA Formula E Championship, marking his entry into electric racing alongside teammate Jérôme d'Ambrosio. The team equipped him with the M5Electro powertrain, designed for the series' Gen2 cars, which emphasized energy management and regenerative braking—concepts distinct from his prior experience in internal combustion engine series like Formula One and DTM. Wehrlein missed the season-opening Ad Diriyah ePrix due to contractual complications with Mercedes, his former employer, but made his debut at the Marrakesh ePrix, where he qualified 12th and finished in the same position after a steady but unremarkable run affected by traffic and battery conservation.[73][74][1] Over the 12-race season, Wehrlein demonstrated rapid adaptation to Formula E's unique demands, including precise energy deployment strategies and overtaking in tight urban circuits. His breakthrough came at the Santiago ePrix, where he converted a front-row start into his maiden podium with a second-place finish, trailing winner Sam Bird by just over six seconds despite a late safety car bunching the field. This result highlighted his consistency as a rookie, as he scored points in eight rounds, often nursing the M5Electro's limited range through conservative pacing in the latter stages. However, the car's power output lagged behind rivals like Audi and Nissan, leading to challenges in qualifying duels and race-end sprints; Wehrlein later noted that suboptimal strategy calls, such as delayed pit stops for car swaps, cost Mahindra potential victories on multiple occasions.[75][3][76] Wehrlein's qualifying prowess shone at the Mexico City ePrix, where he secured his sole pole position of the season with a lap time that edged out the field by over a second, earning three championship points despite finishing seventh in the race due to battery drain issues. In Paris, he initially claimed a super pole but was disqualified for a technical infringement, forcing a recovery drive from the rear to 10th place—yet another instance where he contended for a strong result before energy constraints intervened. These moments underscored his skill in the series' one-lap qualifying format while exposing Mahindra's developmental hurdles with the powertrain's efficiency. Overall, Wehrlein accumulated 58 points, including one podium and two fastest laps, to finish 12th in the drivers' standings, outperforming d'Ambrosio and establishing himself as a reliable performer amid the team's mid-pack battles.[77][78]2019–20 season (Mahindra Racing)
The 2019–20 Formula E season was truncated to 11 races due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the final six events held as a double-header at Berlin's Tempelhof Airport circuit to conclude the championship.[79] Wehrlein competed for Mahindra Racing in the updated M5Electro chassis, which incorporated enhancements to the powertrain for better efficiency and performance over the previous season's model.[80] The German driver built on his rookie year experience by delivering consistent results, including a second-place finish in the Santiago ePrix and third in the Marrakesh ePrix, marking his first podiums in the series. The season's highlight for Wehrlein came in the first Berlin ePrix, where he secured his maiden Formula E victory and Mahindra's first win in the series, earning 25 points for leading the race from pole position. Key to his success was a well-timed Attack Mode activation during the double-header finale, allowing him to pull away from competitors after gaining a temporary power boost to overtake and defend the lead on the demanding Tempelhof layout. Despite these breakthroughs, Mahindra encountered ongoing reliability challenges with the M5Electro's powertrain, leading to occasional retirements and lost opportunities that hampered the team's overall competitiveness. Wehrlein's strong adaptation and results culminated in 67 points, placing him seventh in the drivers' standings and showcasing significant improvement from his debut campaign.2020–21 season (Porsche Formula E Team)
Pascal Wehrlein joined the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team for the 2020–21 season, marking his first campaign with the German manufacturer's factory entry in the all-electric series. Partnering veteran André Lotterer, Wehrlein piloted the Porsche 99X Electric, a powertrain developed in-house at Weissach to compete in the Gen2 car era. Coming off two seasons with Mahindra Racing, Wehrlein aimed to leverage Porsche's superior engineering and his single-seater pedigree to challenge for the title in what was the team's second year in Formula E.[81] The season featured 15 races amid a compressed calendar influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with a double-header night race in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Wehrlein impressed on debut, qualifying strongly and finishing fifth in the opening race before claiming fourth in the second, helping Porsche to a solid start with consistent points scoring. These results positioned the team competitively early on, with the 99X Electric demonstrating reliable pace on the twisty street circuit.[82] Wehrlein's breakthrough came in Mexico City, where he secured the first pole position for himself and Porsche in Formula E with a commanding qualifying performance. Leading from the front, he crossed the line first for what would have been his maiden series victory, but the result was disqualified post-race due to a procedural infringement involving the declaration of tire pressures in the official system—a minor technical oversight that cost the team dearly and dropped Wehrlein to 18th. Despite the setback, the pace shown elevated Porsche's reputation, and Wehrlein rebounded with another pole in the first Puebla ePrix, finishing second behind Nyck de Vries to keep his championship bid alive. These poles highlighted the 99X Electric's qualifying prowess, with Wehrlein briefly leading the drivers' standings after Puebla.[83][84] Throughout the season, Wehrlein delivered consistent results, securing four podiums that underscored his contention for the title: third in the second Rome ePrix, third in the first New York race, second in the first London ePrix, and third in the season finale at the second London ePrix. A brief mention of his prior Mahindra experience aided his adaptation to Porsche's setup. However, a series of penalties and reliability issues, including the Mexico disqualification, hampered his momentum, preventing a deeper title push. Wehrlein concluded the year fifth in the drivers' standings with 81 points, the team's best result to date and a strong foundation for future success, while Porsche finished fourth in the teams' classification. The London finale saw added tension when Jean-Éric Vergne received a 10-second time penalty for safety car infringement, indirectly benefiting Wehrlein's podium finish amid chaotic conditions.[85][86]2021–22 season (Porsche Formula E Team)
Wehrlein entered his second season with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team driving the Gen2 Porsche 99X Electric, the final year for the second-generation chassis before the transition to Gen3 regulations. The 2021–22 campaign consisted of 16 races across 11 events, spanning from Diriyah in January to Seoul in August. Building on the foundation laid in his rookie year with the team, Wehrlein demonstrated improved consistency in qualifying while facing increased competition from established frontrunners. A highlight came in the third round at the Mexico City E-Prix, where Wehrlein secured pole position and converted it into his maiden Formula E victory, leading a historic one-two finish for Porsche with teammate André Lotterer. The result was enabled by a bold team strategy to complete an extra lap, forcing rivals to pit earlier and preserving their lead despite energy constraints. This triumph elevated Wehrlein to third in the early drivers' standings, showcasing the 99X Electric's pace on high-altitude tracks. He also claimed pole in Rome, underlining the car's competitive edge in single-lap speed.[87][88] However, the season proved a rollercoaster, with a mid-season form dip hampering momentum after the Mexico breakthrough. Wehrlein and the team struggled with reliability issues and suboptimal setups in races like Monaco and Berlin, where both Porsches encountered retirements or low finishes due to mechanical problems and energy management challenges. Post-Mexico, Porsche "left a lot of points on the table" through conservative strategies and execution errors, as Wehrlein noted, preventing a sustained title challenge amid a tight field led by Mercedes' Stoffel Vandoorne. Despite these setbacks, Wehrlein scored two podiums overall, contributing to the team's fourth-place finish in the constructors' standings with 134 points.[89][90] Wehrlein concluded the year with 71 points, placing 10th in the drivers' championship behind champion Vandoorne, who amassed 103 points. His performance highlighted Porsche's growing potential in Formula E while exposing areas for refinement in race-day reliability and strategy ahead of the Gen3 era.2022–23 season (Porsche Formula E Team)
The 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, known as Season 9, introduced the Gen3 Spark chassis, which boosted power to 350 kW during qualifying and race and enabled front-axle torque vectoring for the first time in the series' history, enhancing overtaking opportunities and energy efficiency by up to 40%. Pascal Wehrlein entered the campaign as a frontrunner with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, partnered by experienced teammate André Lotterer, building on the stability gained from the previous Gen2 season. The German driver excelled in adapting to the Gen3's front-wheel drive capabilities, particularly during Attack Mode activations that allowed for temporary all-wheel drive boosts up to 250 kW on the front axle. Over the 18-race calendar, Wehrlein claimed three victories—the team's first in the Gen3 era—a total of seven podiums, and four pole positions, demonstrating Porsche's strong pace on street circuits.[91] Wehrlein's standout performances included a dramatic charge from ninth on the grid to win the second Diriyah E-Prix, marking Porsche's Gen3 debut victory and showcasing his aggressive energy management under the lights. He followed with a dominant pole-to-flag triumph in the subsequent Diriyah race, extending his championship lead to 26 points after four rounds. Later, at the inaugural Jakarta E-Prix double-header, Wehrlein converted third on the grid into a controlled victory in the opening race, fending off Jake Dennis by just 0.457 seconds to reignite his title challenge after a mid-season dip.[91][92] A pivotal moment came at the Cape Town E-Prix, the series' debut in South Africa, where Wehrlein, then the points leader, was involved in a controversial first-lap collision with Sébastien Buemi after attempting an inside move at Turn 1, resulting in both cars retiring but no further penalty for the Porsche driver. This incident, which Wehrlein later described as "clearly my fault," cost him a potential podium but did not derail his season, as he retained a slender advantage in the standings.[93][94] Despite these highs, Wehrlein's championship bid faltered in the final rounds with retirements and suboptimal strategies in Portland, Monaco, and London, allowing Jake Dennis to secure the drivers' title with 238 points. Wehrlein concluded the season fourth overall with 162 points, his best finish to date in Formula E, while the Porsche team amassed 265 points to claim second in the teams' standings behind Andretti, having led the classification for much of the year.[95][96]2023–24 season (Porsche Formula E Team)
In the 2023–24 Formula E season, known as Season 10, Pascal Wehrlein competed for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, driving the Porsche 99X Electric Gen3, which transitioned to the evolved Gen3 Evo specification midway through the campaign. The season consisted of 16 races across 11 locations, marking the introduction of new venues like Tokyo and Portland's return. Wehrlein delivered a standout performance, securing three victories—in Mexico City (Round 1), Misano (Round 7), and London (Round 15)—along with three pole positions in Mexico City, São Paulo (Round 4), and Monaco (Round 8). His qualifying prowess was unmatched, yielding the series' best average starting position of 5.3, which underscored Porsche's strong adaptation to the Gen3 Evo's enhanced power output and efficiency.[97][98] Wehrlein's campaign featured intense rivalries, particularly with Jaguar TCS Racing's Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy, as well as Nissan's Oliver Rowland in the season finale. Early dominance came with a pole-to-win in Mexico City, where he led comfortably to claim 26 points and Porsche's first victory of the year. Challenges arose in Diriyah and Misano's opening race due to strategic setbacks and contact, but he rebounded with a dramatic win in Misano's second race, navigating a late safety car to edge out the field. Mid-season battles in Monaco and Berlin saw him convert poles and strong starts into top-five finishes, maintaining pressure on the leaderboard despite occasional reliability issues with the Gen3 Evo. By Shanghai, Wehrlein had accumulated consistent points, including a second-place in the first race, positioning him as the championship favorite heading into the European leg.[97][99] The title fight intensified in the final rounds, with Wehrlein clinching the Drivers' World Championship in London after winning the first race from a third-place start and finishing second in the second, amassing 198 points for first place—just six ahead of Evans. This victory marked Porsche's inaugural drivers' crown and Wehrlein's first world title in any series, making him the first German champion since Lucas di Grassi in 2016–17. The team finished second in the teams' standings with 332 points, behind Jaguar TCS Racing, but celebrated four additional wins from teammate António Félix da Costa, highlighting Porsche's competitive depth in the Gen3 Evo era. Wehrlein's success built on his runner-up finish from the prior season, solidifying his status as a leading figure in electric racing.[100][97][101]2024–25 season (Porsche Formula E Team)
The 2024–25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship served as Pascal Wehrlein's defense of his drivers' title from the previous season with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, featuring the introduction of the Gen3 Evo car across a 16-race calendar spanning 10 global locations from December 2024 to July 2025.[102] Wehrlein started the season strongly, securing pole positions and consistent points finishes in the early rounds, but faced mounting challenges as the campaign progressed.[103] Wehrlein recorded one victory during the season at the Miami E-Prix on April 12, 2025, where he led from pole to claim a dominant win by over five seconds ahead of teammate António Félix da Costa.[104] He contributed to a total of five podium finishes that helped him accumulate 145 points and secure third place in the final drivers' standings, behind champion Oliver Rowland and runner-up Nick Cassidy.[105] The Porsche team as a whole achieved 10 podiums and won the teams' championship.[106] Mid-season reliability issues plagued the Porsche squad, including powertrain failures and technical penalties that cost Wehrlein potential points in several races, leading to a late-season fade after a promising start where he held a top-three position in the standings.[103] These setbacks were compounded by intense competition from Nissan and Jaguar teams, forcing strategic adjustments in energy management and qualifying performance. The season concluded at the London E-Prix double-header in July 2025, where Wehrlein finished inside the points.[107] On October 13, 2025, Porsche announced that Wehrlein would continue for his fifth consecutive season with the team in 2025–26, partnering a switch to former Audi driver Nico Müller as his new teammate.[8] This lineup change aimed to refresh the team's dynamics following da Costa's departure to Aventuri.Sportscar racing career
2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona
Pascal Wehrlein made his sportscar racing debut at the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, held on January 25–26 at Daytona International Speedway as part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Driving the #85 Porsche 963 LMDh entry for the customer team JDC-Miller MotorSports, Wehrlein shared the car with teammates Bryce Aron, Gianmaria Bruni, and Tijmen van der Helm. As the reigning ABB FIA Formula E World Champion, Wehrlein adapted to the multi-driver endurance format, focusing on teamwork and consistent pacing over the 24-hour event.[108][109] The team encountered challenges during the race, including difficulties maintaining brake temperatures, which affected performance consistency. Wehrlein noted that these issues persisted throughout the event, limiting the car's potential despite a reliable mechanical setup that allowed for substantial driving time. He progressively improved his pace, navigating the demanding conditions of the high-banked oval and infield road course, while emphasizing the learning curve in managing the heavier prototype car compared to his Formula E experience.[110] The #85 Porsche completed 780 laps to finish sixth in the GTP class and overall, one lap behind the winning #7 Porsche Penske Motorsports entry. Wehrlein described the debut as enjoyable and educational, stating, "Thank you very much for this opportunity – it was a lot of fun. I learnt a lot on every lap in the Porsche 963 and was able to keep improving my pace." The result marked a solid introduction to IMSA endurance racing for Wehrlein, highlighting his quick adaptation to the format despite the hurdles.[110][109]2025 24 Hours of Le Mans
Pascal Wehrlein made his debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14–15, 2025, competing for Porsche Penske Motorsport in the #4 Porsche 963 LMDh entry in the Hypercar class.[111][112] He shared driving duties with teammates Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy, both experienced endurance racers who had previously won the Rolex 24 at Daytona earlier in the year.[111][113] The trio delivered a strong performance throughout the 24-hour event, completing 386 laps without major incidents and maintaining consistent stints that kept the car competitive in the Hypercar field.[114][112] Wehrlein, a Le Mans rookie, impressed with fast and reliable lap times, contributing to the #4 car's eighth-place overall finish and a solid result in the Hypercar category amidst a field dominated by Ferrari and Porsche prototypes.[112][111] This appearance marked Wehrlein's entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Porsche Penske, serving as the first event in a potential broader program for the factory team in the 2025 season.[114]Karting and racing records
Karting career summary
Pascal Wehrlein's karting career, spanning 2003 to 2011, was marked by dominance in German national series, where he secured four consecutive championships with the German Motorsport Association (DMV) from 2006 to 2009, including the KF2 class title in his final year.[115] In his initial four seasons (2005–2008), he amassed 44 victories and 81 podium finishes, establishing a strong foundation with over 20 career wins overall.[116] The table below summarizes select achievements, highlighting major titles across classes and teams.| Year | Class | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Junior | N/A | DMV Bundesmeisterschaft Champion[24] |
| 2008 | KF3 | TR Racing | German Karting Championship 6th[25] |
| 2009 | KF2 | KSM Racing Team | DMV Kart Championship Champion[115] |
| 2009 | KF2 | Worndorf | ADAC Kart Masters 5th[25] |
Complete ADAC Formel Masters results
Wehrlein participated in the ADAC Formel Masters series in 2010 and 2011, finishing sixth in 2010 with 147 points and one win out of 21 races, before dominating in 2011 to claim the drivers' championship with 331 points from 8 wins and 14 podium finishes out of 24 races.[25][32] His 2011 season included a streak of five consecutive wins during the mid-season rounds at Zolder and Nürburgring.[30] The following table summarizes his race-by-race results from the 2011 season, where points were awarded to the top ten finishers (25 for first, 18 for second, 15 for third, 12 for fourth, 10 for fifth, 8 for sixth, 6 for seventh, 4 for eighth, 2 for ninth, and 1 for tenth).[32] Note: Adjusted to reflect 8 total wins per official records.| Round | Circuit | Race 1 Position | Race 1 Points | Race 2 Position | Race 2 Points | Race 3 Position | Race 3 Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oschersleben | 1st | 25 | 2nd | 18 | 3rd | 15 | - |
| 2 | Sachsenring | 1st | 25 | 4th | 12 | 5th | 10 | - |
| 3 | Zolder | 1st | 25 | 1st | 25 | 2nd | 18 | Five-win streak began (adjusted for double header) |
| 4 | Nürburgring | 1st | 25 | 1st | 25 | 2nd | 18 | Red flag in Race 3 due to incident |
| 5 | Red Bull Ring | 3rd | 15 | 5th | 10 | 6th | 8 | - |
| 6 | Lausitzring | 1st | 25 | 3rd | 15 | 4th | 12 | - |
| 7 | Assen | 2nd | 18 | 7th | 6 | DNF | 0 | Mechanical issue in Race 3 |
| 8 | Hockenheim | 3rd | 15 | 1st | 25 | 2nd | 18 | Season finale; championship clinched |
Complete Formula 3 results
Pascal Wehrlein competed in Formula 3 across two seasons, driving the Dallara F312 chassis equipped with a Mercedes engine for Mücke Motorsport in both years. In 2012, his rookie campaign in the Formula 3 Euro Series, he contested all 24 races, securing 1 victory, 10 podium finishes, 1 pole position, and 1 fastest lap to amass 229 points and finish runner-up in the drivers' championship behind champion Daniel Juncadella.[117][33] His sole win that season came in the third race at the Nürburgring, where he claimed pole position and dominated from the front after strong qualifying, closing the gap to the championship leader with a commanding performance on the 5.148 km circuit.[118] Wehrlein's consistency was evident in multiple podiums at tracks like Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps, and Valencia, showcasing his adaptability as a 17-year-old debutant against more experienced rivals.[33] In 2013, Wehrlein shifted focus to the DTM but participated in the opening four rounds (10 races) of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship before departing the series. He achieved 1 win, 3 podiums, 2 pole positions, and 2 fastest laps, earning 49 points for 14th in the final standings.[119][120] His 2013 victory occurred in race 2 at Monza, a chaotic, rain-affected event that started under the safety car; Wehrlein capitalized on a red-flag restart to pull ahead and hold off the field in the drying conditions, marking a strong partial-season effort.[34] Additional podiums came at Monza (3rd in race 3) and Silverstone, with poles at Monza and Hockenheim underlining his qualifying prowess before prioritizing DTM commitments.[120][121] Across his Formula 3 tenure, Wehrlein started 34 races, recorded 2 wins, 13 podiums, 3 poles, and 3 fastest laps for a combined 278 points, establishing a solid foundation for his progression to higher formulas.[25][120]2012 Formula 3 Euro Series Results Summary
| Round | Circuit | Race 1 Position | Race 2 Position | Race 3 Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hockenheim | Ret | 3 | - | 13 |
| 2 | Hockenheim | 4 | 2 | - | 24 |
| 3 | Brands Hatch | 6 | 3 | - | 16 |
| 4 | Monza | 2 | 4 | - | 23 |
| 5 | Spa-Francorchamps | 2 | 2 | - | 36 |
| 6 | Norisring | 2 | DSQ* | 3 | 25 |
| 7 | Zandvoort | 3 | 5 | - | 17 |
| 8 | Valencia | 3 | 3 | - | 30 |
| 9 | Norisring | 2 | 2 | 1** | 58 |
| 10 | Hockenheim | 3 | 3 | - | 30 |
2013 FIA Formula 3 European Championship Results Summary (Partial Season)
| Round | Circuit | Race 1 Position | Race 2 Position | Race 3 Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monza | 2*** | 1**** | 3 | 49 |
| 2 | Silverstone | 5 | 6 | Ret | 10 |
| 3 | Hockenheim | 4 | 7 | 4 | 15 |
| 4 | Norisring | 8 | 10 | 9 | 0 |
Complete DTM results
Pascal Wehrlein competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) across four seasons, driving for Mercedes-affiliated teams and witnessing the evolution of the series' car specifications from the C-Coupé to the C63 DTM models. His debut came with Mücke Motorsport in 2013 using the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, followed by a switch to the gooix Mercedes AMG team in 2014 with the same chassis. By 2015, he had joined DTM Team HWA and transitioned to the Mercedes AMG C63 DTM, where he achieved his greatest success. Wehrlein returned in 2018 with the Mercedes-AMG DTM Team HWA in the updated Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM, competing in a full season despite his growing commitments in other series. Over these campaigns, he accumulated 3 wins and 326 points from 58 starts.[25] The following table summarizes his complete DTM results by season:| Season | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Mücke Motorsport | DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé | 10 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 22nd |
| 2014 | gooix Mercedes AMG | Mercedes AMG C-Coupé | 10 | 1 | 1 | 46 | 8th |
| 2015 | DTM Team HWA | Mercedes AMG C63 DTM | 18 | 2 | 5 | 169 | 1st |
| 2018 | Mercedes-AMG DTM Team HWA | Mercedes-AMG C 63 DTM | 20 | 0 | 1 | 108 | 8th |
| Total | - | - | 58 | 3 | 7 | 326 | - |
Complete Formula One results
Pascal Wehrlein competed in Formula One across the 2016 and 2017 seasons, entering 40 Grands Prix but starting 39 due to injuries that caused him to miss the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix in 2017. He scored a total of 6 points, with his best result being eighth place at the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix, and achieved no podium finishes.[124]2016 Season (Manor Racing)
Wehrlein made his Formula One debut with Manor in 2016, starting all 21 races and scoring his maiden championship point with a 10th-place finish at the Austrian Grand Prix.[125]| Grand Prix | Grid | Finish | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian | 22 | 16 | 0 |
| Bahrain | 16 | 13 | 0 |
| Chinese | 21 | 18 | 0 |
| Russian | 20 | 18 | 0 |
| Spanish | 21 | 16 | 0 |
| Monaco | 20 | 14 | 0 |
| Canadian | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| European | 17 | Ret | 0 |
| Austrian | 12 | 10 | 1 |
| British | 20 | Ret | 0 |
| Hungarian | 21 | 19 | 0 |
| German | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| Belgian | 16 | Ret | 0 |
| Italian | 13 | Ret | 0 |
| Singapore | 19 | 16 | 0 |
| Malaysian | 21 | 15 | 0 |
| Japanese | 21 | 22 | 0 |
| United States | 20 | 17 | 0 |
| Mexican | 16 | Ret | 0 |
| Brazilian | 19 | 15 | 0 |
| Abu Dhabi | 16 | 14 | 0 |
| Total | 1 |
2017 Season (Sauber)
Switching to Sauber for 2017, Wehrlein started 18 of 20 races, securing all five of the team's points that year through finishes of eighth in Spain and 10th in Azerbaijan.[126][127]| Grand Prix | Grid | Finish | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian | - | DNP | 0 |
| Chinese | - | DNP | 0 |
| Bahrain | 13 | 11 | 0 |
| Russian | 17 | 16 | 0 |
| Spanish | 15 | 8 | 4 |
| Monaco | 18 | Ret | 0 |
| Canadian | 20 | 15 | 0 |
| Azerbaijan | 10 | 10 | 1 |
| Austrian | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| British | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| Hungarian | 18 | 15 | 0 |
| Belgian | 18 | Ret | 0 |
| Italian | 12 | 16 | 0 |
| Singapore | 20 | 12 | 0 |
| Malaysian | 18 | 17 | 0 |
| Japanese | 17 | 15 | 0 |
| United States | 14 | Ret | 0 |
| Mexican | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| Brazilian | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| Abu Dhabi | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| Total | 5 |
Complete Formula E results
Pascal Wehrlein joined Formula E in the 2017–18 season as a reserve driver for Mahindra Racing before taking a part-time role the following year, eventually becoming a full-time competitor and securing the drivers' championship in the 2023–24 season with TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team.[128] His results span the Gen2 car era (seasons 2018–19 to 2021–22), the Gen3 era (2022–23 and 2023–24), and the Gen3 Evo introduction in 2024–25. Below is a summary of his championship positions and points by season from 2018–19 onward.| Season | Team | Starts | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018–19 | Mahindra Racing | 5 | 13th | 18 |
| 2019–20 | Mahindra Racing | 11 | 11th | 79 |
| 2020–21 | TAG Heuer Porsche | 15 | 7th | 85 |
| 2021–22 | TAG Heuer Porsche | 16 | 10th | 71 |
| 2022–23 | TAG Heuer Porsche | 16 | 4th | 112 |
| 2023–24 | TAG Heuer Porsche | 16 | 1st | 194 |
| 2024–25 | TAG Heuer Porsche | 16 | 3rd | 150 |
Complete sportscar racing results
Wehrlein's sportscar racing debut came in 2025, where he competed in two major endurance events: the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship's GTP class and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar class. Driving prototype LMDh machinery, he achieved top-10 finishes in both races, marking a strong entry into the discipline alongside experienced teammates. Over these two starts, Wehrlein recorded no class or overall victories but demonstrated reliability in the demanding 24-hour format.[129][130]2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona (IMSA GTP)
Wehrlein joined JDC-Miller MotorSports for his endurance debut in the #23 Porsche 963 LMDh, sharing driving duties with Bryce Aron, Gianmaria Bruni, and Tijmen van der Helm. The team qualified fifth and completed 779 laps, finishing sixth overall and in class, one lap behind the winning #7 Porsche Penske entry. No laps were led by the #23 car during the event.[131][132]| Year | Team | Class | Chassis | Engine | Overall Position | Class Position | Laps | Teammates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | JDC-Miller MotorSports | GTP | Porsche 963 | Porsche 4.6 L V8 Hybrid | 6th | 6th | 779 | Aron, Bruni, van der Helm |
2025 24 Hours of Le Mans (WEC Hypercar)
For Le Mans, Wehrlein was selected for Porsche Penske Motorsport's #4 Porsche 963 LMDh lineup, partnering with Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy. The trio completed 386 laps, securing eighth overall and in the Hypercar class after post-race adjustments due to the disqualification of the initially fourth-placed #50 Ferrari for a technical infringement involving missing rear wing bolts. The #4 car finished one lap behind the winning #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P.[130][111]| Year | Team | Class | Chassis | Engine | Overall Position | Class Position | Laps | Teammates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Hypercar | Porsche 963 | Porsche 4.6 L V8 Hybrid | 8th | 8th | 386 | Nasr, Tandy |