Geely Formula E interest could open door for Lotus Motorsport return

Geely Steps Up Formula E Evaluation

Geely is taking a more serious look at a future Formula E programme, with attention understood to be focused on the second phase of the Gen4 era in 2028. Discussions with potential partners continued during last weekend’s Shanghai E-Prix, where Geely Holding Group executive vice president and spokesperson Victor Young was present in the paddock.

The potential manufacturer landscape is also shifting around the Gen4 rules cycle, with Formula E already preparing for its next major technical phase. That wider context is reflected in recent developments such as CUPRA KIRO remaining a Porsche customer team for Formula E’s GEN4 era, a reminder that powertrain and partnership structures are being locked in early.

Lotus Among Several Brand Options

Lotus UK, the sports car manufacturer, and Lotus Technology, the electric vehicle division, were reunified under Geely’s umbrella following a restructuring. The company remains headquartered at Hethel in Norfolk, at the historic former RAF airfield.

A Lotus-branded Formula E effort was previously the subject of a feasibility study in late 2020, when the championship had licences available after Audi and BMW withdrew. The situation is different now, with Formula E close to full franchise capacity and 24 cars currently expected if Penske continues and a second Porsche factory team materialises.

Partnership Route Looks Most Likely

That points towards Geely linking with an existing team rather than arriving as a completely standalone entrant. While nothing is settled, Mahindra and Formula E’s newest winner Lola are viewed as the most likely partnership options.

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds acknowledged Geely’s breadth when speaking in Shanghai, saying: “I know Victor at Geely well and have spoken to him many times, and I think they do an impressive job, whether that’s through Lynk & Co, Zeekr, or perhaps Lotus or Polestar might be more recognisable for us, but they have a wealth of brands and have been hugely successful. You can read between those lines.”

Geely’s motorsport strategy is overseen by Alexander Murdzevski Schedvin, now managing director of Geely Group Motorsport International AB. With Geely already active in the TCR World Tour, Formula E is increasingly emerging as a serious future consideration.