Long-time Formula E race director Scot Elkins will retire from his role following the upcoming Miami E-Prix concluding a decade-long tenure in the electric racing championship.
The American official who has overseen race operations since the series’ inception in 2014 cited personal reasons for his departure, including family responsibilities following the recent passing of his father.
Current deputy Formula E race director Marek Hanaczewski will assume full control of race operations as Scot Elkins’ successor starting at the Monaco E-Prix in May, marking a pivotal transition for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Elkins’ decision to accelerate his retirement plans underscores the challenges of balancing professional commitments with personal obligations.
“After 10 years, the time has come for me to retire as Formula E race director,” Elkins said in a statement. “With the recent loss of my father this past December, I have new responsibilities that require my time and attention at home.
“While I had hoped to complete Season 11 and retire at its conclusion, my plans have now been accelerated and my focus remains on my family. I will continue working in motorsport, primarily on projects based in the USA.
“I have been honoured to be a part of the Formula E paddock and am grateful for the friendships that have grown over the years.
“Although I am very sad to leave, I am confident in the staff that will remain. We have worked closely together and I know they are committed to making the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship a success, this season and in the many to come.”
His exit closes a chapter in Formula E’s history, during which he played a critical role in shaping the championship’s sporting regulations and ensuring competitive integrity across 109 races.
Beyond Formula E, Scot Elkins also served as race director for Extreme E, Nitrocross, and DTM, while contributing to F1, F2, and F3 as a steward and deputy race director.
Post-retirement he will transition to executive roles at Al Kamel Systems, focusing on motorsport technology and strategic development in North America.
The transition to Marek Hanaczewski – a seasoned deputy in the all-electric series since 2017 – is designed to ensure continuity. The Polish official temporarily replaced Elkins at the season-opening Sao Paulo E-Prix in December 2024 earning praise for his composed handling of race logistics.
At the next double-header event in Jeddah, Elkins and Hanaczewski will swap Formula E race director roles as part of a phased handover culminating in Hanaczewski’s full takeover in Monaco.
Meanwhile, Formula E’s head of circuit operations Benoit Dupont will step into the deputy race director role vacated by Hanaczewski.
Hanaczewski emphasized his readiness to build on Elkins’ legacy, stating: “Stepping into the role of Race Director is an exciting new chapter in my motorsport career, and the continuation of a journey that began 13 years ago.
“Since 2017, I have had the privilege to work alongside Scot, who has been not only a great leader but also a mentor, teacher and friend.
“I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge, experience and trust he has shared with me over the years. His contribution to Formula E is undeniable, and I deeply appreciate the time we have spent working together.
“Now, I look forward to leading race operations and ensuring the continued growth and success of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”
Scot Elkins’ departure coincides with Formula E’s emergence as a cornerstone of sustainable motorsport. Under his stewardship, the championship navigated technical evolutions including the introduction of Gen3 cars and expanded its global footprint to 17 cities.
His emphasis on transparency and fairness earned respect across the paddock, even as contentious decisions—such as last-lap penalties and safety car protocols—sparked debates.
Colleagues credit Elkins with fostering a culture of collaboration, balancing the demands of teams, drivers, and regulators amid the series’ competitive intensity.
Looking ahead, Marek Hanaczewski faces the challenge of maintaining this equilibrium as the new Formula E race director while adapting to new formats including the upcoming “Attack Charge” pit stops and potential calendar expansions.
The Miami E-Prix – set against the backdrop of Biscayne Bay – will serve as Elkins’ farewell event. The race, a highlight of Formula E’s Season 11, is expected to draw significant attention as teams contend for early championship advantages.
