Jim Wright named Team Principal of Fortescue Zero Racing
Fortescue Zero Bolsters Leadership with Jim Wright Ahead of Formula E Debut
The landscape of electric racing is about to shift significantly as Fortescue Zero Racing Team prepares for its inaugural campaign in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In a strategic move to solidify their competitive foundation, the team has appointed highly experienced motorsport executive Jim Wright to its leadership ranks.
Wright arrives with a formidable pedigree, having held senior positions across several elite racing operations, including Mahindra Racing and Andretti Formula E. His deep-rooted expertise in both Formula 1 and Formula E will be instrumental as the team navigates the complexities of entering a top-tier championship.
A High-Stakes Ambition
For Fortescue Zero, the mission extends beyond mere participation. The team aims to utilize the platform of motorsport to accelerate real-world technological advancements. Wright himself has expressed a clear motivation for the role, noting the immense challenge of building a competitive outfit from the ground up.
“I am excited to join Fortescue Zero at a significant moment in the company’s motorsport and technology journey,” Wright stated. “Fortescue Zero has a clear ambition to compete at the highest level, while also using motorsport to accelerate real-world technology. Formula E is one of the most competitive and technically demanding championships in the world. Building a new team for the next generation of Formula E is a major challenge and exactly the kind of opportunity that motivates me.”
As the team prepares for the Gen4 era, they aim to make history as the first Australian-owned outfit to compete in the all-electric series, pending FIA and FEO approval.
The Technological Leap: Entering the GEN4 Era
To ensure immediate competitiveness for the 2026/27 season, Fortescue has acquired the existing Penske Formula E operation. This acquisition provides the team with a critical advantage: the ability to compete using a Jaguar GEN4 powertrain.
The GEN4 machinery represents a quantum leap in performance over the current GEN3 Evo:
- Increased Power: The GEN4 car will deliver 50% more power in race mode.
- Superior Speed: In ATTACK MODE, the car produces up to 600kW, representing a staggering 71% increase in base output compared to the GEN3 Evo.
- Enhanced Acceleration: The powertrain is capable of 0-100kph in approximately 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in just 4.4 seconds.
- Lap Times: The GEN4 is expected to be, on average, 10 seconds faster per lap in qualifying mode.
Notably, the GEN4 will be the only single-seater in the championship to feature permanent all-wheel drive. The new era of Formula E is set to kick off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 18 & 19, 2026.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.