Jean-Eric Vergne has said he could never have settled for Formula 1’s midfield, and is feeling “rejuvenated” in Formula E where everyone has a shot at pole.
The Frenchman recently confirmed his departure as Scuderia Ferrari’s reserve driver, and has now opened up about the frustration he felt whilst at Scuderia Toro Rosso.
He made 58 starts for the Red Bull junior team between 2012 and 2014, but left after a promotion to Red Bull Racing failed to materialise and his seat at Toro Rosso filled. This led to his arrival in Formula E, racing for Andretti and DS Virgin before joining Techeetah this season.
Vergne has spoken out about his inability to celebrate an eight place finish as if it were a first, or to accept it as the best result that was possible. The main difference between the two formulas, ignoring the fuel choice, is the ability for all teams to threaten pole position.
“I have turned the page on Formula 1”, he told Canal+. “I reached F1 with Toro Rosso, which is a midfield team. It kind of hit me when I claimed eighth in my second race.
“I was not particularly over the moon but when I came back to the pits everybody was jumping up and down as if we had just won the grand prix.
“I could never settle for celebrating an eighth-place finish as a tremendous result for Toro Rosso. It kind of weighed down on me and it was a tricky situation to deal with.
“When you go to Formula E, you have a shot at securing pole positions and winning races regardless of the team you are competing for. This has made me feel rejuvenated.
“It’s great to enter each round knowing you can challenge for victory.”
