Mitch Evans puts Formula One dream to bed as new motorsport challenges arise

Mitch Evans scored his first Formula E podium at the opening round of the season in Hong Kong.
Mitch Evans scored his first Formula E podium at the opening round of the season in Hong Kong. Photo credit: Getty

At 23 years old, one of New Zealand's fastest men on four wheels isn't holding onto his boyhood dream of driving in Formula One.

Mitch Evans spent his entire teens racing in Europe in order to eventually claim a seat in the sport's pinnacle category, but after being leapfrogged by drivers with big paychecks and better contacts, the Kiwi has his sights set elsewhere.

Evans won the prestigious GP3 championship in 2011, a stepping stone to F1, but after four seasons in GP2 and earning the respect of his rivals and motorsport pundits, the Aucklander decided his time in that cutthroat world was over.

The 2011 New Zealand Grand Prix winner jumped ship to the upstart Formula E championship with Jaguar and despite a mixed series of results in 2017, Evans secured his first podium at the new season's opening round in Hong Kong three weeks ago.

Evans said he couldn't be happier with his career lane-change - noting that Formula One can be vicious career choice.

"A couple of years ago it was my ultimate dream, but the world is changing," he told Newshub.

"It would be very brave of me to give up what I have now with Jaguar and go for a F1 drive. It's easy to have that perception, but if I really think about I don't think it would be a smart move.

"You have to be in one of two teams to have a chance of winning. You can be out of a seat very easily.

"I feel like I deserve to be in F1 and should have been there by now - other reasons kept me from a seat but now I can prove my worth in Formula E," Evans said.

Formula E is in its fourth season and is a growing category that has made international headlines with all cars carrying electric engines.

Evans believes it is the future of motorsport - and so does his team. Jaguar has been missing from the world of competitive motorsport since bowing out from Formula One in the early 2000s.

Mitch Evans puts Formula One dream to bed as new motorsport challenges arise
Photo credit: Getty
Evans (right) and his new teammate Nelson Piquet Jr.
Evans (right) and his new teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. Photo credit: Getty

The automotive giant is hell-bent on returning to the winners' circle, with Evans set to benefit from their lofty ambitions.

"There has been a lot of hard work put in since our first season last year - a new power unit, a new car and now we look like we are in good shape for the season," he said.

"[Jaguar] has had a big drought in motorsport. Now with the new project of Formula E the brand is really excited to be part of it.

"To have the technology transfer form motorsport to the automotive industry - there is a big change in the world at the moment and Formula E is at the forefront of that."

Formula E boasts a who's who of single-seater stars who aren't currently contracted to Formula One teams, including Evans' teammate Nelson Piquet Jr.

The duo are joined in the championship by Nico Prost, son of the great Alain Prost; Nick Heidfeld, a 14-year F1 veteran; along with the likes of Neel Jani, Jean-Eric Vergne and Kamui Kobayashi.

Evans in action in Hong Kong in December 2017.
Evans in action in Hong Kong in December 2017. Photo credit: Getty
Mitch Evans puts Formula One dream to bed as new motorsport challenges arise
Photo credit: Getty

Evans argues that the talent pool of his current Formula supersedes F1 with all seats filled on merit - not money.

"It's great. I have always wanted to test myself against guys who have a profile," Evans told Newshub.

"I think it's fair to say that Formula E has, in terms of the total depth of talent, the most competitive competition in the world.

"Every driver is a paid professional, unlike F1 where drivers bring money to the table and I think if a lot of the guys in F1 came to Formula E they would really struggle, because the cars are closer together in terms of performance."

Evans is part of a new era in New Zealand motorsport.

Names like Scott McLaughlin, Haydon Paddon, Nick Cassidy, Shane van Gisbergen, Richie Stanaway, Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley have all achieved prominent success over the last three years.

Evans is at a loss to explain how so many Kiwis have become very fast at driving cars, but he did acknowledge the impact of Scott Dixon - an Indy 500 winner and four-time championship winner.

He said the 37-year-old has paved the way on the international scene for young New Zealand drivers, proving that despite the cost, dedication and talent needed to succeed, it can be done if you can catch a break or two.

"I never had any intentions to go to IndyCar or the United States but he was a great inspiration to many of us in New Zealand. I used to love watching him as a youngster - I watched every race," Evans said.

Scott Dixon is a four-time IndyCar series champion.
Scott Dixon is a four-time IndyCar series champion. Photo credit: Getty

"He gave us all a bit of hope that it can happen for us."

Evans, currently back home for the early part of summer is looking forward to taking some time off and relaxing with his petrol head family.

A Christmas holiday to Omaha beach, north of Auckland, is on the cards, but with three professional motorsport drivers in the family, Evans said it can get ugly when they go on long drives.

Evans' dad Owen raced in New Zealand for almost three decades while his older brother Simon competes in the national V8 Super Tourer series.

The family have had to make a compromise to avoid holiday conflict.

"We all take separate cars. We are all horrible passengers - my dad is definitely the worst. He doesn't trust me behind the wheel - he has to be driving."

Newshub.