Arthur Leclerc made a return to the Formula E paddock during the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test, representing Maserati MSG Racing. Though it wasn’t his first outing in electric machinery, the day marked his first official test in a Formula E car since the GEN2 era—his last appearance dating back to Marrakesh in 2019.
Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief, the Monégasque driver reflected on his comeback and what it’s like to be back in the unique world of Formula E.
“It’s really nice to discover this electric world”
Leclerc, who recently shifted focus from Formula 2 to endurance racing, was candid about how it felt to return to a single-seater — and how Formula E stands apart from the series he’s previously competed in.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s feeling good. It’s feeling good,” he said. “I think it’s really nice as well to discover this electric world, which is completely different from Formula 1, Formula 2, or endurance.”
While he admitted he couldn’t quite recall which generation of car he last drove, he confirmed, “Yes, I don’t know exactly which generation, but I think GEN2.”
In preparation for the Berlin test, the 24-year-old had already put in time with Maserati on the simulator — and his initial impressions were positive. “I’ve already done a bit of simulator with the team. It went pretty well.”
From sound to software: A different beast entirely
Discussing the main differences between Formula E and other racing disciplines, Leclerc pointed to the car’s complexity and the depth of the tools available to drivers during a session.
“I think the software, the mapping, all these kind of things that you can do with the regeneration, the battery, is really, really different,” he explained.
“You have a lot of settings, I think a lot more than other categories — especially on the braking, on off-throttle. Yeah, there is a lot of things as well.”
With regeneration playing a pivotal role during races, Leclerc noted just how strategic the energy management side of Formula E has become. “There is the regeneration during the race that you need to [do] quite a lot of, otherwise you don’t finish it. I mean, there is a lot of tools that you can play in Formula E that you cannot see in other categories.”
A future in Formula E?
When asked directly whether Formula E could become a long-term destination in his career, Leclerc remained measured.
“Let’s see,” he said, leaving the door open for future opportunities.
Leclerc finished the morning session of the Berlin Rookie Test in sixth place overall — a solid return to Formula E machinery after five years away. Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter remains to be seen, but his open-minded attitude suggests a Formula E might just be calling.
