{"id":4202,"date":"2026-10-20T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4202"},"modified":"2026-10-20T10:06:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T13:06:08","slug":"norris-linked-fusion-project-emerges-behind-new-porsche-formula-e-team-for-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/formula-e\/norris-linked-fusion-project-emerges-behind-new-porsche-formula-e-team-for-2027\/","title":{"rendered":"Norris-linked Fusion project emerges behind new Porsche Formula E team for 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fusion Formula E has emerged as the 12th team for the 2026\/27 season<\/strong>, with plans to operate two Porsche-powered Gen4 cars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Majority owner Dan Richards is also an investor in Lando Norris&#8217; LN4 Fusion project<\/strong>, although Norris has not been confirmed as an owner of the Formula E operation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Former Jaguar and DS Penske engineer Phil Charles is set to lead the team<\/strong>, with Ayhancan G\u00fcven among the candidates for a race seat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A new Porsche-powered Formula E team with financial links to Lando Norris&#8217; junior racing project is preparing to join the 2026\/27 championship<\/strong>, potentially restoring the all-electric series to a full 24-car grid for the first time since 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The operation, provisionally known as <strong>Fusion Formula E Team<\/strong>, has emerged after a late agreement to secure the final available entry for the Gen4 era. According to an exclusive investigation by Sam Smith for <em>Formula E Notebook<\/em>, the British-based project is backed by Dan Richards, one of the principal investors in LN4 Fusion, the junior single-seater organisation established with Norris earlier this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The connection does not mean that Norris owns or will manage the new Formula E team. His potential involvement was reportedly discussed during the project&#8217;s development, but those discussions are understood to have ended in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion has submitted its entry and is preparing to field two Porsche Gen4 cars, with former Jaguar and DS Penske technical specialist <strong>Phil Charles expected to become team principal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Norris-linked investor emerges behind new Formula E operation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion Formula E Team was registered in the United Kingdom last week, with a corporate structure involving Jersey-based entities and holding company SAJ Finance Limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Richards is identified as the founder, director and majority shareholder of the new operation, which is understood to include several minority investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His involvement is particularly significant because he is also part of the investment group behind <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/norris-creates-ln4-fusion-to-develop-the-next-generation-of-f1-drivers\/\">Lando Norris&#8217; LN4 Fusion junior racing programme<\/a>, announced in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That project is preparing to compete in Formula 3, Italian Formula 4 and Formula Regional Europe in 2027, with longer-term ambitions to expand into Formula 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Norris has positioned LN4 Fusion as an initiative to develop young drivers and provide financial support to talented competitors who might otherwise struggle to progress through the junior categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Formula E project would represent a separate expansion of Richards&#8217; motorsport investments rather than a confirmed extension of Norris&#8217; own racing team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <em>Formula E Notebook<\/em>, Norris&#8217; name was discussed during the early planning stages, but direct involvement is no longer believed to be part of the arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No official announcement has established Norris as a shareholder, director or operational participant in Fusion Formula E.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LN4-FUSION-F3-LANDO-NORRIS-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020313551\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LN4-FUSION-F3-LANDO-NORRIS-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LN4-FUSION-F3-LANDO-NORRIS-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LN4-FUSION-F3-LANDO-NORRIS-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LN4-FUSION-F3-LANDO-NORRIS-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/LN4-FUSION-F3-LANDO-NORRIS.jpg 1537w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lando Norris project (Photo: LN4 Fusion) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Porsche gains sixth Gen4 car as Formula E grid expands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new entry is expected to operate two Porsche-powered Gen4 cars, increasing the German manufacturer&#8217;s presence to six vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Porsche will continue supplying its established factory operation, which has <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/formula-e\/porsche-keeps-double-champion-wehrlein-and-muller-for-formula-es-gen4-revolution\/\">retained Pascal Wehrlein and Nico M\u00fcller for the new season<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The manufacturer will also provide powertrains to CUPRA Kiro, whose driver pairing is expected to include Pepe Mart\u00ed and Jake Hughes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion&#8217;s arrival would create a third Porsche-powered team, strengthening the manufacturer&#8217;s position as Formula E introduces its most powerful generation of cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The development is particularly notable because Porsche had previously explored operating a second factory team before changing its plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/formula-e\/nyck-de-vries-drops-bombshell-and-reveals-porsche-scrapped-second-formula-e-factory-team\/\">Nyck de Vries revealed that Porsche had abandoned its second factory Formula E operation<\/a>, creating uncertainty over the additional cars originally planned for the Gen4 era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion&#8217;s emergence offers a different solution: an independent team operating Porsche machinery rather than a second factory-controlled entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The additional cars would also bring the championship back to 12 teams and 24 drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phil Charles set to lead ambitious British team<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new organisation is expected to be led by Phil Charles, who has held senior technical positions at Jaguar and DS Penske.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Charles left DS Penske in August and has subsequently worked on establishing the new operation, including negotiations with Porsche and recruitment of engineering personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team is being assembled at new premises in Oxfordshire, with preparations progressing rapidly ahead of the 2026\/27 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <em>Formula E Notebook<\/em>, Charles has been recruiting race engineers, systems specialists and strategy personnel, with several positions advertised during the past week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The project faces a demanding timetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion is targeting participation in the official pre-season test at Jarama in November, leaving only a few weeks to prepare its cars, technical systems and operational structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Porsche is understood to be providing assistance as the new team attempts to complete preparations for the test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The operation is therefore entering the championship under unusual circumstances, with considerably less preparation time than most established competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Porsche driver G\u00fcven emerges as leading candidate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion has not announced its driver line-up, but several candidates have been linked with the two available seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ayhancan G\u00fcven is considered one of the leading possibilities<\/strong>, reflecting his existing relationship with Porsche and his interest in moving into Formula E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Turkish driver recently discussed his ambitions during the WEC weekend in Barcelona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;That&#8217;s the plan,&#8221; G\u00fcven told <em>Formula E Notebook<\/em> when asked about competing in the electric championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He explained that he was continuing to work towards that objective, although no contract had been confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His participation would also depend on satisfying the championship&#8217;s e-Licence requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other possible candidates include David Beckmann, Joel Eriksson and former Formula 2 drivers with relevant testing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beckmann previously competed for CUPRA Kiro, while Eriksson has Formula E experience with Envision and other operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team is not expected to finalise its driver pairing until after the November pre-season test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"WEC 2026, LONE STAR LE MANS, PORSCHE, AYHANCAN G\u00dcVEN\" class=\"wp-image-1020318423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/DPPIPRODUCTION_00004897_0300-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ayhancan G\u00fcven (Photo: Julien Delfosse \/ DPPI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gen4 era attracts new manufacturers and teams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion&#8217;s planned entry comes during a period of substantial change in Formula E.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The championship will introduce Gen4 cars capable of producing <strong>600kW in Attack Mode<\/strong>, with permanent all-wheel drive and significantly greater aerodynamic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new machinery represents a major increase in performance compared with the previous generation, requiring teams to adapt their engineering procedures, energy-management strategies and race operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Porsche has emerged as one of the early reference points during private testing, although comparisons remain preliminary because manufacturers have been following different development programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/formula-e\/porsche-emerges-as-early-gen4-benchmark-as-jaguar-hits-trouble-in-formula-e-testing\/\">Early Gen4 testing has shown encouraging progress for Porsche alongside difficulties for Jaguar and other manufacturers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other organisations have also restructured their operations ahead of the new season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/formula-e\/lola-drops-abt-and-yamaha-from-formula-e-team-name-as-british-marque-takes-full-control\/\">Lola has taken direct control of its Formula E team and removed ABT and Yamaha from its entrant name<\/a>, although Yamaha remains involved in powertrain development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fusion&#8217;s arrival would complete another part of the championship&#8217;s transition, bringing an additional British-based operation into a grid that already includes major manufacturers and established customer teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fusion faces race against time before Formula E debut<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new team&#8217;s immediate priority is preparing its two Porsche cars for the November test at Jarama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <em>Formula E Notebook<\/em>, the entry documentation was submitted before the October deadline and the necessary arrangements have progressed sufficiently for the operation to begin its final preparations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the team has not yet announced its complete sporting structure, commercial partners or drivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its formal identity may also change before the championship begins, with Fusion Formula E Team currently understood to be the provisional name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026\/27 Formula E season is scheduled to begin in December, giving the new operation a limited period to complete its preparations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A new British Formula E team backed by an investor in Lando Norris&#8217; junior racing project is preparing to enter the Gen4 championship with Porsche power, potentially restoring the grid to 24 cars.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1020318120,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Lando Norris","42wp_featured_image_credits":"McLaren","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":93,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_hide_from_automatic":false,"42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[39],"tags":[23,885,117,162],"42wp_author":[93],"class_list":["post-4202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-formula-e","tag-formula-e","tag-fusion-formula-e","tag-lando-norris","tag-porsche","42wp_author-marcos-gil"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4202"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4203,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4202\/revisions\/4203"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1020318120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4202"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}