Gary Paffett has revealed the most difficult aspect of Formula E

The HWA Racelab star is an experienced campaigner, having won two DTM titles over 12 years apart while also testing for the McLaren Mercedes F1 team back in 2006. Paffett, who was eventually overlooked for a full-time drive in favour of Lewis Hamilton, is now competing in his debut Formula E season but has found the going tough in the all-electric series – registering just two points finishes. Performances have improved in recent events and both Paffett and team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne qualified in the top four for the Berlin ePrix, although the former is under no illusions about what makes Formula E so difficult. Speaking prior to Round 10 of the season, Paffett said: “Coming into Formula E with a completely new team and new drivers in me and Stoffel, you expect it to be tough.

“Sometimes it’s been tougher than we expected it to be but the grid is full of really good teams with experience in this series and really talented drivers the whole way through. “The unique thing with Formula E is that every weekend is different. In other series once you’ve done three or four races you get a good handle on the car and can start going forward and be competitive. “But every weekend is new and every weekend is completely different.” Both Paffett and Vandoorne will be hoping to remain in Formula E next season when Mercedes take over their HWA team.

Stoffel Vandoorne is still uncertain whether he will get a seat with Mercedes next season

Vandoorne has already completed a test in the Silver Arrow, although Paffett ceded his first run in the new car to Edoardo Mortara in favour of competing in the Intercontinental GT Challenge. This campaign has been used as a tester season for Mercedes as they dip their toe in the electric racing scene, while Porsche will also join the championship in 2019/20. “Although we have a collaboration with Venturi (Formula E team, who provide technical components), as a team we haven’t been to these circuits before so it’s a new adventure,” said Paffett. “It is tough, and every weekend is tough. It doesn’t get any easier so I think until we have experienced a whole season and gone to every circuit we won’t go to a race knowing what to expect.

Paffett has achieved just two points finishes so far this season