While the Formula E drivers headed onto the track for the Madrid E-Prix, new faces were preparing for the weekend ahead. Once again, Formula E hosts its Rookie Test, and this time it takes place around the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid. Before the action took place on the track, Pit Debrief sat down with Richard Verschoor. The Dutch driver will be partaking in his first Formula E session this Sunday.
When asked about which aspect he is the most excited about for the Rookie Test, Verschoor stated:
“Well, that it will be my first experience ever with the car. To be honest, there are so many aspects that I have not been working with before, so I guess all of the aspects. I’m excited especially for me as a driver to develop. It’s very interesting to drive with a Formula E car because you can do so many changes on the car to help yourself and of course me and also the team out. It will be nice for me to learn all of the tools I have available to improve my setup, my way of driving, everything. So, I’m mostly excited for that.”
Verschoor has been dipping into several new challenges as the driver takes on both Formula E and endurance racing. Additionally, he is a part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. His Formula E debut will undoubtedly open more doors for the racer as he continues to develop his talents.
Verschoor on the differences on track
Jumping into a Formula E car can be daunting when one is not familiar with it. To prepare for the task, many drivers love to spend time on the simulator. When asked if he had already driven the simulator for the FE test and what differences he is expecting on track, the Dutchman explained:
“I did one and a half days with the team, so it’s not that much to prepare for your first FE test, but they gave me some good guidance. So, I’m happy. I think I know the most important things that I need to know to drive this car. I’m a bit lucky that we are doing it in Jarama, because it’s like a normal racetrack, so I’m used to that. Some of the FE tracks are a bit different. I like a street track though, but I think it’s a bit nicer for me to start off on this track. It looks nice, so I’m excited.”
Verschoor’s first taste of the Formula E car will be with Lola during the Rookie Test on Sunday. With his excitement and talent, it will be interesting to see how he handles the electric car.
Recently, it was announced that Verschoor will be joining the Duqueine team for the European Le Mans Series. Jumping from years in Formula 2 to testing LMP2 cars and now testing Formula E takes the Dutchman on quite an exhilarating journey.
Asked about the biggest differences between the categories, the racer explained:
“I got my first taste of an LMP2 car last week, so everything is new, but I think there is a lot of differences. The way of driving the car, the way to achieve lap time is very different than Formula 2. Of course, we don’t have slicks as well. Then you have the differences in power as well, so the 300 and the 350 is four-wheel drive. There are so many different things that I have to learn and look into. I think there’s more different than there is not.”
Verschoor stepping into Formula E at the Madrid E-Prix Rookie Test
As his Formula E debut follows five years in Formula 2, the switch may surprise some. However, the Dutchman is insistent on trying new things and continuing to develop in every way. Speaking of the Madrid Rookie Test, Verschoor stated:
“I wanted to do it last year, but unfortunately it didn’t happen and I knew Fredrik already and the team reached out to me. I was very excited about the opportunity. Of course, I spoke with McLaren and they were very supportive to make it happen. So yeah, I’m happy.”
When asked for more detail on why he decided that Formula E was the right option, the 25-year-old said:
“Why I decided is to develop myself more. There are so many different aspects, and as a driver, I don’t know where I will be in the future, but the more you know, the better. I was in Formula 2 for quite some time, and at some point you get kind of stuck about what you can learn more in that category. So here, everything is new. I feel very motivated and happy to be working with another team with a different kind of car. I think that’s the main reason.”
Learning about FE and its growth in popularity
While Formula E has been around for years, its recent surge in popularity has drawn a larger audience. As the series differs from other motorsport categories, many might be learning something new about it, even Richard Verschoor himself. When asked about one thing he did not know about FE prior to his debut, he admitted:
“A lot. One thing I didn’t know, maybe it’s weird. If you go off track, you have to stop the car completely before you can go again. I didn’t know that was a thing. Apart from driving standards, also the car itself. I don’t think I can speak about it too much, but there’s a lot of things I didn’t know.”
He is not the only one who is just getting familiar with the series. With more drivers developing in feeder series before coming to Formula E, such as Zane Maloney and Pepe Marti, it has become an interesting place for young drivers. Speaking about its recent popularity among feeder series drivers and the general public, Verschoor said:
“First of all, Formula E is doing a very good job in promoting it. If you look at the races, I think Formula E is trying to get people to watch it because I don’t think some people even tried. Once people try, it’s super fun to watch the race. There’s so much action, the cars are all just behind each other, very close, sometimes even touching. It’s really cool. It’s different, but it’s very cool. They are doing a good job and I wouldn’t be surprised if it keeps growing.”
Paths besides Formula 1 for young drivers
Many drivers grow up in karting seeing Formula 1 as the only end goal. However, with such a wide range of categories in motorsport, the possibilities of where to end up are endless.
When asked about other categories becoming a goal instead of F1, Verschoor explained:
“It’s super nice. Formula E, IndyCar, Hypercar, there’s so many categories where, to be honest, also me, I’ve underestimated it a lot. Even the LMP2 car and the team around it, it’s so nice to drive. But, as a young kid, you have a dream and you’re only focused on Formula 1. In the end, the fact is, there’s only 20, now 22 drivers, in the whole world that can be a Formula 1 driver. It’s not easy to get there. I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with any other category, it’s super nice, it’s super high level. I’m very impressed with all the people here, how much knowledge there is. It’s very good.”
With Verschoor’s experience across feeder series, endurance, and now Formula E in Madrid, it will be exciting to see what his next steps in the future will be.
