Drugovich set for Formula E race debut in Berlin

Felipe Drugovich will make his Formula E debut at the Berlin E-Prix next week, driving for Mahindra. The Brazilian will race in place of Nyck de Vries, who will be absent from the doubleheader while he races in the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo FIA World Endurance Championship race for Toyota.

Edoardo Mortara, who raced for Lamborghini in the WEC last season but hasn’t been involved in the championship this season, will continue to race the team’s other car in the German capital.

“I’m very happy to confirm I will be making my Formula E debut with Mahindra Racing in Berlin,” said Drugovich. “Formula E is a championship I’ve been around for a while now; having tested on several occasions, I’m excited to now get the opportunity to race.

“Mahindra Racing is a fantastic team, one of the championship’s standout names, and it’s clear from their recent results that the new car is a significant step forward. I’m looking forward to working closely with them to prepare for Berlin, and I’m sure we can have a good weekend together.”

Following his victory in the 2022 Formula 2 championship, Drugovich has served as one of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team's reserve and development drivers alongside Formula E regular Stoffel Vandoorne. He's also competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice – in 2024 and this year – and this year's Rolex 24 At Daytona for the Whelen Cadillac team, and made five starts in the European Le Mans Series last year.

Drugovich is not a total stranger to Formula E, having driven in the 2023 Rookie Test at Berlin and the rookie free practice session at the Rome E-Prix – both of which he topped – for Maserati MSG Racing. He drove in last year's post-Berlin Rookie Test, too, again for Maserati. In preparation for his race debut, Drugovich recently completed a private test for Mahindra at Circuito Guadix in Spain.

“It’s very exciting to be able to welcome Felipe to the team for the Berlin E-Prix,” said Mahindra Racing CEO and team principal Frederic Bertrand. “It’s been on our radar for a while now that we would need to find a solution for Berlin to substitute for Nyck. Felipe quickly emerged as the standout candidate, his achievements speak for themselves, and he’s been very impressive when he’s tested a Formula E car in the past.

“The benefit of having this confirmed so far in advance is that we have had plenty of time to get him fully integrated with the team, to prepare him properly for the race weekend and give him the best opportunity to go out and showcase what he can do.”

News of Drugovich’s Formula E debut with Mahindra comes after the team confirmed its line-up for the annual Rookie Test, which will take place on Monday, July 14 after the two races at Tempelhof Airport.

Kush Maini will once again drive for the team, having topped the rookie free practice session at the Jeddah E-Prix earlier this year. He also drove for the team in the Berlin test last season as part of a wider role as the team's reserve driver during the campaign.

Maini will be joined by Formula 3 race winner, Formula 2 podium finisher and Ferrari Driver Academy member Dino Beganovic at the test.