Formula E driver Daniel Abt talks about the development of the series, his personal aims and his potential career as a film maker.
You have just started in your third Formula E season. How have your experienced the development of the series?
Daniel Abt: “I get the feeling that Formula E is at the forefront of motorsport at the moment. Not only because more and more manufacturers are showing interest and are getting involved, but the reception from the media and fans has been enormous. Formula E is taking off at the right speed – and we are only at the beginning of a world tour.”
Have you been able to take something positive from the season opener in Hong Kong despite your DNF?
Daniel Abt: “Yes, quite a lot actually. Of course there are zero points on paper, which doesn’t look great. But more importantly we are on the ball and we can contest for trophies and victories. Lucas has shown what is possible from the back of the grid. And if we had been a bit smarter with strategy for my race, I could have gone even further. From this we have learned and we are going to attack again.
What was the atmosphere like in Hong Kong?
Daniel Abt: “Incredible. We have already been to some great places, but Formula E always seems to manage to create a new one. That skyline, with this flair and the many great fans – and with our racing cars in the middle of it all. I think many of my fellow drivers are like me in that as soon as the race weekend is over I cannot wait to get to the next location.”
You let your fans participate in the whole experience though your social media channels, especially in your vlogs on YouTube. What is so much fun about it?
Daniel Abt: “I just really enjoying having direct contact with the fans on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. This has always been the case and it fits perfectly with the philosophy of Formula E. The film making for YouTube started out as bit of fun but now is becoming more and more professional. I recently joined the ‘Studio71’ network, which has helped me with the marketing process and through which I have met many other YouTubers. I really enjoy it and let’s see where it leads.”