Ousted McLaren driver Stoffel Vandoorne will make an immediate jump from Formula 1 to Formula E with the HWA team for Season 5, starting in December.
The Belgian endured a torrid two years alongside Fernando Alonso, having finally got the call-up to the British team at the start of 2017, and will be replaced by Lando Norris for next season.
His move to the all-electric series was widely expected with Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff hinting that a deal had been done to see the 26-year-old compete with the HWA outfit with whom the German manufacturer is linked.
“I am honoured that HWA has signed me for their Formula E programme,” Vandoorne said.
“HWA are such a great team with a long and successful history in motorsport. All the people I’ve met so far are really passionate about racing.
“Also, it’s great to work alongside such an experienced driver as Gary Paffett. I am pretty sure that we will benefit from each other during the season.”
Team boss Ulrich Fritz welcomed Stoffel onboard before talking up their ambitions for the next season despite the lack of experience on all sides.
“In Stoffel and Gary, we have two Formula E rookies on our team, which in any case is making its own debut in the electric series. We all have a lot to learn together.
“However, Gary and are Stoffel outstanding racing drivers who have a wealth of experience gained in F1 and in the DTM. Both know how to work in collaboration with the engineers to develop and fine-tune a new racing car.
“These are precisely the sort of strengths that will count for a lot in our first Formula E campaign. It gives me confidence that we and our two drivers are well prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Vandoorne will join a plethora of former F1 talent including defending champion Jean-Eric Vergne as well as Felipe Massa making his debut with the Venturi team.