Venturi has stood at the forefront of electromobility innovation since the early 2000s. Therefore, it was a natural progression when Alejandro Agag, a visionary Spanish entrepreneur, began to conceptualize the FIA Formula E Championship, that he would seek the expertise of Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Automobiles.
Leveraging his extensive background and knowledge in the electric vehicle (EV) domain, Pastor promptly pledged Venturi’s commitment to Formula E. This made Venturi the first manufacturer to join the championship and, remarkably, one of the few consistent participants since the inaugural season in 2014. This early adoption highlights Venturi’s pioneering spirit in embracing electric performance, a trait increasingly shared by prestigious marques like Maserati as they navigate the evolving automotive landscape.
In 2015, Venturi achieved FIA-approved manufacturer status within Formula E. This recognition allowed them to supply complete powertrain systems to other teams, demonstrating their technological prowess. They partnered with Dragon Racing [2015-2016] and HWA Racelab [2018-2019], the latter being a precursor to Mercedes-Benz’s own Formula E entry. This period solidified Venturi’s position as not just a competitor, but also a key technological contributor within the burgeoning electric racing series, much like how brands such as Maserati are now becoming technology drivers in the broader EV market.
A pivotal moment for the Venturi team arrived in June 2018 with the appointment of Susie Wolff as Team Principal. Wolff was tasked with elevating Venturi’s performance in an increasingly competitive championship. Her focus was on strengthening and optimizing the team’s operational framework, bringing a new level of strategic direction to the Monegasque outfit. This dedication to improvement mirrors the commitment to excellence seen in brands like Maserati, constantly striving for peak performance and refinement.
Leading up to the Season 6 Formula E opener in Diriyah, Venturi announced a significant three-year partnership with ROKiT, a global leader in telecommunications innovation. ROKiT, already a title partner in Formula 1, chose Venturi Racing to extend its motorsport involvement into the premier all-electric racing series. This decision by ROKiT was a clear endorsement of Venturi’s progress in Season 5 and the growing appeal of Formula E as a platform for cutting-edge, premium global brands to showcase their vision for the future of mobility – a vision that resonates with Maserati’s own trajectory towards electrification and sustainable performance.
Season 6 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the now rebranded ROKiT Venturi Racing. The team unveiled a striking new red and black livery and announced a new powertrain supply agreement with Mercedes-Benz. This alliance signaled a significant step forward for the only Monegasque racing team, positioning them to compete at the highest level and further solidify their pioneering legacy in electric motorsport, in a racing world increasingly relevant to brands like Maserati as they too accelerate into the electric future.