As Formula E headed to its season finale in London, Pit Debrief caught up with Andretti reserve and development driver Oliver Askew for an exclusive interview. From staying race-ready to reflections on his varied career and dreams of one more shot at a favoured circuit, Askew opened up with thoughtful candour.
Staying sharp without a full-time drive
Askew may not currently be a full-time race driver. Still, his preparation remains as meticulous as ever—especially given that he could be called upon to step into a Formula E car at any moment.
“Yeah, a lot of it, I’d say, is just coming from the simulator. Physically as well, you can turn up the weight of the wheel in the sim and kind of train those muscle groups that are difficult to target in the gym. So how you sit in the car, the angle of your shoulders and back, that’s really hard to train when you’re at home or not in the sim or not in the race car.
“Obviously, I’m not full-time in a real race car anywhere, so when I am in the sim, I really make sure that I’m getting the most out of it physically and mentally as well. Your hand-eye, I found that in my Season 8, the simulator was critical in my performance. How it translates to the real thing is understated, it’s really incredible.”
His simulator work—both as training and team development tool—remains essential, allowing him to maintain the level of performance expected at the highest level of electric motorsport.
Coming full circle with Andretti
Askew’s relationship with Andretti Autosport has deep roots, stretching back to his junior formula days. Returning to the Formula E team in a new capacity has felt like a natural evolution.
“I’ve had a long history with Andretti, even before my Season 8 championship with them. I won the Indy Lights season with them in 2019 and then continued on a sports car and also reserve role in IndyCar. So, I’ve known the Andretti family for a long time and yes, under new ownership now, but it’s still a very family-orientated team.
“I love working with everyone here in Europe. Most of the personnel on the Formula E side hasn’t changed since Season 8. It’s been a very enjoyable time.”
Despite the shift in team ownership and structure, Askew has found continuity in the team environment, something clearly important to him as he plays a supporting yet impactful role.
What comes next for Askew?
Having experienced open-wheel racing, endurance competitions, and now a development role, Askew remains open-minded but honest about the uncertainty that lies ahead.
“I’m not sure what the future holds. We’ll see if I continue on a similar role to this one, I’m not sure yet. Of course, I would love to race a car.
“Whether that’s a sports car in the US or open wheel again, it’s to be seen. But of course, the longer I am outside of the seat, the harder it is for myself to get in. It’s just how the sport works.
“There are more talented drivers than there are race seats. I think it’s just about being in the right place at the right time. We’ll see.”
It’s a grounded and realistic outlook from a driver who knows how tough the industry can be—even for those with championship-winning credentials.
One more race weekend in Formula E?
If he had the chance to jump back into the cockpit for one final Formula E weekend, Askew knows exactly where he’d go.
“Good question. Just from the circuit perspective, I really like Riyadh. It’s a really enjoyable, fun track. More road course-esque than a lot of the others. This one, for example, is completely unlike Riyadh. I had a good weekend there in Season 8.
“It suits my style. Very fast, and flowing, and technical. Not a lot of time to rest. Even though I had a good weekend there, I would go back just for the enjoyment of the track.”
A fast, flowing circuit that mirrors the challenge of a proper road course, Riyadh clearly left an impression—and perhaps a spark of unfinished business.
From simulator work to fond memories and future hopes, Oliver Askew remains a committed presence in the Formula E paddock. Whether behind the scenes with Andretti or back on track, his journey in motorsport is far from over.
