Abt: Audi's 'trust' in FE proves I'm more than 'the son of someone'
Daniel Abt believes the "trust" Audi showed by keeping him in its works Formula E line-up has boosted his performances and proves he is more than "the son of someone"
Abt spent the first FE's three seasons racing for the Audi-affiliated team run by his father Hans-Jurgen.
While his team-mate Lucas Di Grassi won six races and the season three championship during this period, Abt was winless.
But in the 2017/18 season, after Audi formally took over the team and made it a full factory squad, Abt has secured his first two FE victories - including a win at his home race in Berlin last time out - and is ahead of di Grassi in the championship.
"All the time, since I've [been] in Formula E, I've grown, become a better driver," Abt told Autosport.
"I was very young and inexperienced when this whole thing started. I had one of the best drivers as my team-mate, who was a hard benchmark.
"It was not always easy - I also had more problems throughout the years than Lucas had. I just kept trying my best, there's not much more I can do.
"This season, what changed is that Audi came on-board [and] gave us an incredible car, but it also put me a bit more out of the role of just being the son of someone.
"They said 'OK, we'll go with Daniel' [and] they could have chosen anyone.
"Maybe that helped me a bit, to have that trust, that feeling. I just feel very confident with everything that I do.
"It's a bit hard to really specify why it is or what it is, but I'm happy with myself, happy and confident. "I have a great team and great people around me and I think that just helps me perform at my best."
Despite the 2017/18 season being Abt's strongest in FE so far, he said he does not yet have a contract signed for season five.
When asked about his 2018/19 plans following his Berlin victory, Abt said: "I need a ride - still nothing is confirmed.
"I hope I could convince people after this weekend [Berlin] to sign me for next year.
"I feel like I'm really at the top of my game at the moment - I feel confident and see no reason why [I wouldn't] be confident next year."
When asked by Autosport if that was a message directed at anyone, Abt said: "No, not really. I've been asked, I gave an honest answer.
"We will speak about it and I don't see a reason why I shouldn't be here next season.
"I think I've proven this season that the choice was correct, that I deserved this seat and now we will speak about that and see where we end up.
"If Audi is happy with what I'm doing then I hope we can continue together."
Previous article
Alejandro Agag column: FE currently in a real growth phase
Next article
Alex Tai steps down as DS Virgin Formula E team principal and CEO
About this article
| Series | Formula E |
| Drivers | Daniel Abt |
| Teams | Team Abt |
| Author | Alex Kalinauckas |
How Vergne and Vandoorne found redemption in Rome
Another Formula E double-header, another double dose of frantic action. While the form guide remains unpredictable following fightback wins for Jean-Eric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne in Rome, the speed and consistency of Mercedes – both on and off the track – could have its rivals worried for what is to follow
What Nissan's commitment to Gen3 reveals about Formula E's future
Formula E's Gen3 era grid continues to take shape, after Nissan opted to commit to the series for another four years. Nissan's global chief operating officer explains why it has thrown its lot in with FE while other high-profile marques have decided to call it quits
Why the new Formula E season got off to such a controversial start
With the new Formula E season belatedly getting underway in Saudi Arabia, the championship appeared to try to make up for lost time with an overspill of action and controversy on and off the track. While some talking points could have serious repercussions, it was an explosive opener for many reasons
How Andretti is planning for life after BMW
Michael Andretti's team is a Formula E ever-present and that's not about to change despite BMW's forthcoming exit. But, with both its drivers contracted to the German giant and McLaren weighing up a possible entry, some key decisions lie ahead
The eight major plotlines to watch in Formula E 2021
The delayed 2020-21 Formula E season gets underway this week with a double-header in Saudi Arabia. The testing times were too close to call a favourite, but that's not the only area of interest to follow as the championship enters a crucial year
Why Formula E's 2021 season will be a crucial litmus test
As off-track politics threatens to overshadow events on it, the upcoming Formula E season is perhaps its most important since the championship's inception. And that's a shame, given that the focus should be on what promises to be its closest title fight yet
How Mercedes and Porsche can avoid a difficult second FE album
DS Techeetah remains FE's benchmark outfit, but it can expect a stiff challenge this year from two German automotive giants in their second seasons as full manufacturer entries. Here's how Mercedes and Porsche are doubling down to bridge the gap
The magnificent seven Brits fighting for FE bragging rights
A record seven British drivers will contest Formula E this season, including two squads with all-British lineups. But before they can consider challenging DS Techeetah for the crown, each must lead their teams' recovery to the top
