Formula E taps star power to help fill gap between races

Formula E will plug the near two month-long break between the third and fourth race weekends of the season with a world-first event that will see a group of 11 famous personalities put through their paces to see if they have what it takes to become Formula E drivers.

Dubbed "Evo Sessions," the new event will culminate in a two-day event at the Miami International Autodrome -- the Miami Grand Prix venue at Hard Rock Stadium -- on March 5-6 where the 11 personalities will drive Formula E’s GEN3 Evo race cars. That will follow a six-week period where they will each be paired with one of Formula E’s teams and put through an intensive preparation period before they get behind the wheel.

“The initial reaction when I presented the concept of ‘Evo Sessions’ to our teams and partners was, ‘This is wild!’ – which is when I immediately knew we had to bring it to life,” said Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. “We wanted to do something that has never been done before in motorsport; something that would give audiences and our fan base a unique perspective into the world of a Formula E driver, through the eyes of some of their favorite online personalities.

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“Formula E is the fastest-growing motorsport in the world, and we have a clear target to hit half a billion fans by 2030. Through collaborating with some of the biggest names in popular culture right now, we’re able to open up Formula E to a whole new fan base.

“I’ve been lucky enough to get behind the wheel of a Formula E racing car, but this event will be truly eye-opening on what it takes to be an elite racing driver. It will uncover the world-class ability of the drivers and teams alike and highlight the raw skill and ingenuity we have in the championship.”

As part of their preparations, the participants will go through physical conditioning, driver coaching and engineering briefings, as well as being fitted into their cars – and having things like the seat, seating position, and steering wheel customized to their preferences – and going through simulator sessions. The entire process will be shared in real time on Formula E’s social media channels, and later in a feature-length documentary, giving fans a unique insight into the journey a driver takes from being a rookie to a racing driver.

Already confirmed as taking part is media personality Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, son of soccer icon David Beckham and pop star-turned fashion designer Victoria Beckham, Argentine soccer legend Sergio Aguero, American actor and motoring and motorsport influencer Emelia Hartford, American tech content creator Cleo Abram, British actor Lucien Laviscount, and American model and influencer Vinnie Hacker. Announcements of the remaining participants, as well as which person will be partnered with which team, will be confirmed in due course.

“I’ve loved motorsport all my life, so when the opportunity came to be a part of Evo Sessions with Formula E, I jumped at the chance,” said Beckham. “I love it as a sport, but it’s an incredible opportunity to actually get behind the wheel and experience what it takes to compete at the top level of motorsport.

“The performance of the cars is insane, so I’m pleased I’ll be learning from the best in how to get the most out of them.”