McNish speaks out on Abt sacking

Audi Formula E team boss Allan McNish says the controversial sacking of Daniel Abt will have a “big impact” on the team once the season gets underway.

Abt’s exit was the result of his part in an esports scandal in May, in which professional gamer Lorenz Hörzing took his place in the Berlin Race at Home Challenge, with an IP address check confirming the act. Abt claimed afterwards that the stunt was a joke.

Writing exclusively in this month’s Motor Sport, McNish says: “A mid-season drive change is not something we ever want or planned for. It was unfortunate that it came around when it did. But the situation we’re in now is that Daniel is no longer going to be part of the team, which has a big impact on the remaining races of season six.”

McNish added he does not have a “clear view” on Abt’s replacement while motor sport is in flux, but reigning DTM champion René Rast will test Audi’s Formula E car this month.

McNish’s analysis of Formula E’s pause in play, and its plans to return, starts on page 28.