James: Mercedes Formula E project has "added to rich heritage" in motorsport

The team joined Formula E as a full manufacturer entity in the 2019-20 season, after kicking off the Gen2 era under the HWA proxy entry that used a customer set of Venturi powertrains.

Under the Mercedes banner it placed third overall in the standings in its first year, with newly-crowned champion Stoffel Vandoorne taking its first win at the Berlin finale.

It followed that up with the teams' title in 2020-21 as Nyck de Vries won the drivers' trophy, and another brace of championships were forthcoming this season with Vandoorne deposing his team-mate at the top of the pile.

James said that the team's achievements have been beyond its "wildest dreams", and that nobody at Mercedes entirely knew how its journey in Formula E would play out.

"Firstly, a huge congratulations to Stoffel - the consistency the performance all year was just mega. But also Nyck played his role massively in ensuring that we could secure the team's championship this year," said James.

"I remember four years ago, when the board of Mercedes-Benz together with Toto [Wolff] took the decision to come into this series, we didn't really know how that was going to play out, but we knew we would give it one hell of a shot.

"But at the same time, we knew just how competitive it is. To be sitting here now, having had the success that we've achieved is I think beyond our wildest dreams."

Stoffel Vandoorne, Mercedes-Benz EQ, Ian James, Team Principal, Mercedes-Benz EQ, Nyck de Vries, Mercedes-Benz EQ, celebrate after securing the world chamionship titles

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

Next year, Mercedes will transition into McLaren as the British outfit has purchased the team - with backing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund through its Neom