F1 News
Toto Wolff calls Formula E “Super Mario Kart with real drivers”
- Bevan Youl
Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has said that Formula E is like “Super Mario Kart with real drivers”, praising the electronic motor series after the Silver Arrows’ debut in Saudi Arabia last year.
Back in November last year Wolff took a weekend off the hectic Formula 1 calendar to attend the opening race of the 2019-20 Formula E season in Saudi Arabia, where the Mercedes EQ team debuted.
Former McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne scored two third placed finishes at the Diriyah ePrix, leaving Wolff full of praise for the series that began in 2014.
“I really enjoyed the experience, I must say,” Wolff said to Crash.net.
“I’ve never been to Saudi Arabia before and launching our Mercedes Formula E journey was very special.
“The crowds were phenomenal, seeing how this country is opening up – something I didn’t expect in that way. And the racing is very different to Formula 1, clearly you can say that.
“For me, it’s Super Mario Kart with real drivers, but it’s absolutely valid to give that a chance.”
Vandoorne currently leads the champions by three points from BMW Andretti’s Alexander Sims, while the Belgian’s teammate, 2019 Formula 2 champion Nick de Vries, sits 11th.