As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship makes its annual return to the unique and historic Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit, Germany’s David Beckmann stands poised to capitalise on familiar surroundings and local support. The Berlin E-Prix not only serves as a symbolic homecoming for the 24-year-old Cupra Kiro driver, but also represents an opportunity to transform a season of mixed fortunes into a strong late flourish. Against the backdrop of a reprofiled circuit and a campaign punctuated by unpredictable weather conditions, Beckmann enters the penultimate European leg of the season with focus, resolve, and a clear intention to deliver a breakthrough performance.
Feeling positive ahead of the weekend
Beckmann’s confidence ahead of his home race is underpinned by both extensive simulator preparation and a degree of familiarity with the venue, despite changes to the layout for 2025. The Tempelhof circuit, which returns this year in a revised configuration, remains an integral part of the championship’s identity. Known for its concrete surface and wide, flowing corners, the track demands both precision and creativity—qualities that suit Beckmann’s methodical approach.
In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief ahead of the Berlin E-Prix, he expressed optimism as the weekend began, highlighting improved weather conditions and the value of early track time.
“Yeah, I am feeling really good,” he said. “The weather has cleared up a bit now, so I hope it stays dry for the first free practice. We will just see – it is my first time on this layout, so we will find out how the car feels, go through all the usual procedures, test a few setup changes, and then see how things go tomorrow.”
Nevertheless, the threat of changing conditions remains ever-present. Beckmann, like much of the grid, remains cautious given the season’s meteorological unpredictability.
“Because, I think it is going to rain again tomorrow, which would make things completely different. So, we are trying to maximise every free practice session so that we are well prepared for Qualifying.”
A season soaked with surprises
The 2025 Formula E season has proven to be one of the most weather-affected in the championship’s history. Races across continents have been impacted by heavy rain, forcing teams to abandon shakedown sessions, rework strategies, and adapt to constantly evolving conditions. For Beckmann, the pattern of disruption has followed the paddock from Asia to the Americas and now to Europe.
“I think it has rained at least a bit at every race weekend so far. Definitely at the last three, but even in Miami it rained. We had to cancel the shakedown. Even in Saudi Arabia it was a bit wet in the morning.”
This consistent interference has made it difficult for teams and drivers to develop momentum, especially during crucial practice and data-gathering phases. However, Beckmann has shown resilience in adjusting to these challenges.
Embracing Berlin’s technical challenge
While many Formula E circuits test reaction times and car placement, Berlin offers a different kind of examination. The Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit is constructed on wide concrete slabs that amplify tyre wear and reduce grip, especially in the wet. Moreover, its width and long-radius corners invite bold overtaking manoeuvres and varied racing lines.
Beckmann, who raced at the venue in previous seasons on the older ‘U-Bus’ layout, welcomes the challenge.
“Yeah, I think the track is really cool. I drove on the old layout back in the day – the ‘U-Bus’. The new layout is a bit different, but the asphalt is similar, so that part feels the same. In the end, you just get into the flow of the layout. Back then, I really enjoyed the track.”
His enthusiasm is not limited to nostalgia. The revised layout retains many of the original circuit’s key characteristics while introducing fresh demands that Beckmann has studied closely through simulator sessions. He is particularly eager to exploit the track’s generous width.
“You can really push to the limit. It is quite wide in a lot of places, so you can try different lines, which is quite fun actually. So, I am looking forward to it. I felt good in the simulator, and I hope it will feel the same on track.”
Lessons learned in a challenging year
Beckmann’s 2025 campaign marks his first full season with Cupra Kiro in Formula E. It has been a year marked by peaks and valleys—a typical scenario for many drivers adjusting to the unique demands of electric single-seaters. The championship’s combination of energy management, strategic racecraft, and highly competitive grids presents a steep learning curve for any entrant.
“Oh, there is quite a lot,” Beckmann admitted when asked about his takeaways. “The season definitely developed very differently to how I imagined. The first few rounds were really tough. Then we found good pace, Qualifying went well – Miami was good, the one after that too. But I often made mistakes or the strategy did not work out. We had some bad luck with Safety Cars, and Attack Mode too.”
Still, he remains positive about his own performance trajectory and the strength of his team, despite his mistakes and the bad luck that he has battled with throughout the season.
“Yeah, it is just the consistency that is missing. The team is good, really strong. And the team has had some good results in the last few races with Dan [Ticktum]. So, I think this weekend could go well for us too.”
Indeed, teammate Dan Ticktum has helped lift Cupra Kiro’s competitive level in recent rounds. With the team working in unison and showing signs of stronger race pace, Beckmann has a solid platform from which to push forward in Berlin.
Supporting the next generation
Beckmann’s Formula E weekend will not end on Sunday when he crosses the line in Race 2 at the Berlin E-Prix. Instead, he plans to stay on after the weekend to support Cupra Kiro’s rookie test programme, which features Bianca Bustamante and Callum Voisin. Both drivers will participate in Monday’s official rookie session, designed to introduce rising talents to the Formula E paddock.
“Not yet, but I will still be around on Monday to help out a bit. I think Dan will be too. So yeah, we will give them a hand, offer a few tips. They will be fine – they are good drivers. Back when I did it, there was not a huge amount of pressure either. It all went pretty smoothly then.”
As someone who has recently completed the same process, Beckmann understands the value of patience and calm in the high-pressure environment of Formula E. His advice to the rookies is both practical and reassuring.
“Yeah, just do not crash the car. Take it easy, try to learn from every session and keep improving. That is the most important thing – working well with the team.”
Ready to deliver at home
With the enthusiastic Berlin crowd behind him, a growing command of the Gen3 Evo machinery, and an experienced and cohesive team at his side, David Beckmann is well-positioned to deliver a standout Formula E performance at the Berlin E-Prix.
