Nathaniel Powers will return to Downton in 2024 before retiring from Formula Virtual at the end of the season, the 5-time Champion has announced. Powers competed with Downton from the 2013 Mexican V-Prix through to the end of the 2021 season, when he departed the team seeking a new challenge after taking four world titles with the British outfit. He has since competed for Lucas in 2022 and AMR in 2023, and whilst both teams have featured near the front, he hasn't enjoyed the success he achieved with Downton. "I am hugely grateful to Downton for allowing me the opportunity to explore fresh challenges," Powers told assembled media. "I feel I have learned and developed so much. Not just in terms of racing, but in a strategic and developmental sense too. I understand a lot better now how to improve a car, rather than just being able to drive a great car quickly." "Despite that though, I always knew I wanted to end my career with Downton, and once again I am hugely grateful that we've been able to work out an arrangement. I get one final year to work with my family, and properly say goodbye to everyone. I suppose in a way I owe this opportunity to Matteo, so thanks to him as well. He is an exceptional talent and I'm sure he'll be a Champion one day." So far this season, Powers has largely played second fiddle to team mate Finn Schnyder. He says this has had no impact on his decision to hang up his helmet. "Definitely not," he replied when questioned. "Finn is a quality driver and I think he's finally getting the chance to show that this year in a car that is competitive. The decision is driven by my family. The children are starting to get to the age where I'm feeling that I'm missing out on things, and Mia is obviously at home looking after them so I'm missing her too. I've had a fantastic career, but it's time to look onto the next stage in my life - albeit, after next year!" Powers will rejoin former team mate Klaas van Snelheid at the team, who is currently leading the Championship having enjoyed a successful season so far. "I'm looking forwards to working with Klaas again," Powers added. "He has clearly developed considerably as a competitor, and he was pretty tough to beat beforehand! Thankfully, we've always had a lot of respect for one another and we've always got on fantastically - though I'm not sure he's forgiven me for Dubai yet..."
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