The Andretti Formula E team arrives in São Paulo this weekend ready to begin what they hope will be a transformative Season 12. The team has visited Brazil three times before, and whilst it has achieved mixed results, the street circuit’s reputation for drama and overtaking opportunities gives the squad reason for optimism.
São Paulo is no ordinary racetrack. Its slipstream-heavy characteristics have produced stunning comebacks, most memorably when Mitch Evans charged from 22nd on the grid to victory. André Lotterer’s nine-place gain in Season 9 remains a testament to what’s possible here. Yet, these gains come at a cost. The circuit demands meticulous energy management and precise control of battery temperatures, a balancing act that can unsettle even the most experienced drivers.
Fresh faces, fresh energy
This Formula E season marks the beginning of a new chapter for Andretti, starting off with the São Paulo E-Prix. The team has refreshed the driver lineup, the engineering department has undergone significant restructuring, and there’s palpable momentum throughout the organisation. Team principal Roger Griffiths described the shift bluntly.
“Heading into Season 12, our expectations are no different to that of the past; to deliver success for the Andretti Global brand with victories and podiums that allow the team to challenge for titles. Though this upcoming season feels different in some ways as there is a new energy about the team.”
The improvements have been tangible. Over the winter, the engineering group addressed weaknesses from the previous campaign, demonstrated convincingly during the Valencia test. Yet, Griffiths harbours no illusions about the challenge ahead. The field has never been more competitive. “We can see that the whole field will be highly competitive and probably the closest we will have seen in Formula E. While a number of driver moves will potentially shake things up, I believe that there will be more drivers in the mix for the win at every race, meaning every point available will be hard fought.”
“I don’t see a Champion being crowned until the very last race.”
Dennis eyes a strong Qualifying
Jake Dennis arrives in Brazil having spent weeks refining his approach in the simulator factory back in Indianapolis. He’s under no delusions about last season’s performance, yet he radiates confidence about what lies ahead.
“It’s been very busy since Valencia, and I’ve been back on the simulator at the factory working hard to get us in the best possible shape for São Paulo. Overall, I think we’re all very motivated coming into this season, and I think we’ll be back to performing at our best!” Dennis said.
São Paulo presents a particular challenge for the British driver, though not in the way one might expect. His race results here disappoint, but his qualifying pace consistently impresses, a quirk he freely admits baffles him.
“I haven’t had the best of luck here in terms of results, but qualifying has always been a strong point for me. I’m not too sure why the track suits me so well on single-lap pace, but I will be aiming to continue that form as we start Season 12.”
For Dennis, the key to success will be translating Saturday’s excellence into Sunday’s points finish, particularly given the track’s gruelling energy equation. “The track in São Paulo always creates lots of opportunities, as we saw when Mitch [Evans] won, having started from 22nd last season. It’s a tough combination of energy management and battery temperatures which is going to test the entire grid, but it’s a challenge I’m looking forward to.”
Drugovich’s homecoming
The real story this weekend belongs to Felipe Drugovich. The Brazilian steps into a Formula E cockpit with Andretti, racing before his family and thousands of supporters in his home city.
He feels the emotional weight of the moment. “It’s going to be incredible to be doing my first Formula E race at home in Brazil and in São Paulo. It will be my first time racing in an international, top-tier motorsport race in Brazil so that means a lot to me and I’m sure it’s going to be a pleasure, specially racing in front of my family who will all be there. Hopefully we can put on a show for them.”
Drugovich is approaching his debut with maturity. Rather than chasing immediate results, he focuses on the longer game, learning the car, adapting to the demands of electric racing, and gradually improving race by race.
“My goals for the season are mainly going to be around getting more and more comfortable with the car and to just keep working on myself and try to improve at every race. Testing went reasonably well, but obviously there is still a lot more to come, so it will be a case of refining everything.”
“Regardless, I’m super excited to get started. I would like to thank all of the fans that are coming to watch me too – they’ve all be so supportive of me and my career, so to be able to race in such a cool environment in São Paulo is going to be really special for me.”
