Jaguar Racing has announced that the inaugural Formula E champion Nelson Piquet has parted ways with the team.
In the opening six races of the year the Brazilian has banked just a single point for 10th at the season opening Ad Diriyah E-Prix.
Team-mate Mitch Evans is yet to finish outside of the points this season, while Piquet has recorded DNFs in each of his last three outings.
“I have enjoyed working with Panasonic Jaguar Racing over the past season and a half but results in season five have not met the collective expectations of myself and the team,” said Piquet.
“I begin my Stock Car Brazil season in a week and a half and that will be my focus in 2019.
“I am still very passionate about Formula E having been involved since the start and winning the inaugural championship. I wish Jaguar Racing the very best for the rest of the season.”
Piquet won his title with Team China Racing/NextEV before switching to Jaguar at the beginning of the 2017/18 season.
He replaced Adam Carroll, who partnered Evans in the team’s inaugural season, with three fourth place finishes the highlight of his first season with the squad.
“Following discussions after Sanya, Nelson and ourselves have reflected on the position of the team,” said team principal James Barclay.
“Regrettably, it has been agreed that he will leave Panasonic Jaguar Racing and take up other opportunities he has been offered.
“We made a big step forward when Nelson joined us in season four.
“He achieved some strong results for the team, but recent results have not met his or the team’s expectations.
“We want to take this opportunity to thank Nelson for all the hard work he has put in since joining us ahead of season 4; he has contributed a significant amount into the development of the car.”
Replacing Piquet is Alex Lynn, who competed in Formula E with DS Virgin Racing last season, and will see out the season’s remaining seven races.
Rome hosts the next round of the Formula E championship on April 13.
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