The long-awaited Formula E debut of Felipe Drugovich, at the Berlin E-Prix proved to be an ordeal, with the Brazilian Formula 2 champion encountering the unique complexities of electric racing in challenging wet conditions during Race 1.
Standing in for Nyck de Vries at Mahindra Racing, Drugovich found himself navigating not just the intricacies of his first Formula E race, but also the penalty complications that would define his afternoon at the Tempelhof Airport circuit.
A promising start turns sour
The 25-year-old Brazilian began his maiden Formula E outing with encouragement, running competitively alongside experienced campaigners Sébastien Buemi and Nick Cassidy before penalty complications derailed his race.
“Not great, it was not very enjoyable,” Drugovich told Pit Debrief when reflecting on his debut. “At the beginning I think it was actually quite okay, following people around and actually in a good pace, together with Buemi and Cassidy. But then after we had to cover a penalty with them, which led us into another penalty, which wasn’t expected.”
The penalty situation that engulfed Drugovich, alongside Buemi and Cassidy, stemmed from their inability to serve grid drop penalties, resulting in 10-second time penalties that significantly hampered their race prospects. For a debutant still learning the nuances of Formula E’s unique elements, the additional complication proved particularly challenging.
Learning through difficulty
Despite the frustrating circumstances, Drugovich maintained a pragmatic approach to his difficult introduction to the championship. The 2022 Formula 2 champion recognised that every experience, positive or negative, contributes to his understanding of electric racing’s complexities.
“Just normal learning, to be fair,” Drugovich explained when asked about positives from the challenging day. “I think it’s something that I was trying to understand a little bit, how the races work with the saving and how to stay behind the other guys. I think it was okay from that side.”
The reference to “saving” highlights one of Formula E’s most distinctive aspects – energy management – which differs significantly from traditional motorsport categories. For drivers transitioning from conventional racing series, mastering this element whilst simultaneously learning circuit-specific nuances represents a considerable challenge.
“It’s something that I can learn from today,” Drugovich added, displaying the passion that the Brazilian driver has.
Teammate success provides encouragement
Whilst Drugovich’s Formula E debut in Berlin proved challenging, his team-mate Edoardo Mortara’s podium finish offered tangible proof of the Mahindra package’s potential. The Swiss-Italian driver’s third-place finish, inherited after Antonio Felix da Costa’s penalty, demonstrated that the machinery beneath Drugovich possessed race-winning capability.
“Well, we did have the pace today. We don’t know how it’s going to be tomorrow,” Drugovich acknowledged when asked whether Mortara’s success boosted his confidence. “We really hope it’s going to be close to everyone, which looked quite promising.”
The measured response reflects a driver who understands that single-lap pace must be converted into race results, particularly in a championship where strategic execution often proves as crucial as raw speed.
Hoping for dry conditions in Race 2
With weather forecasts suggesting improved conditions for the weekend’s second race, Drugovich faces another new challenge: his first Formula E race in dry conditions. Having adapted to wet weather complexities during his debut, the Brazilian must now recalibrate his approach for entirely different circumstances.
“I think that really gives us some confidence. But at the same time, it’s going to be a first time again for me, in the dry, hopefully. We’ll have to wait and see a little bit,” he concluded.
The cautious optimism in Drugovich’s assessment suggests a driver who has quickly learned to temper expectations whilst maintaining focus on continuous improvement. His debut may not have delivered the fairy-tale result many hoped for, but it provided valuable experience that could prove crucial if he continues his Formula E journey.
