Felipe Drugovich is set to make his Formula E debut this weekend at the Berlin E-Prix, stepping in for Nyck de Vries who has World Endurance Championship commitments. The Brazilian will drive the #21 Mahindra Racing car across both days of the German double-header.
Championship pedigree
The 25-year-old from Maringá has built an impressive résumé in junior formulae, capturing titles in both Euroformula Open and Formula 2. His career statistics speak volumes – 47 victories and 71 podium finishes demonstrate his consistent ability to perform at the highest level.
Recent preparation has included testing Mahindra’s M11Electro at Circuito Guadix in Spain, giving him valuable experience with the team’s GEN3 Evo machinery.
Tempelhof experience counts
Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit holds positive memories for Drugovich, who has participated in Formula E rookie tests there over the past two years. Notably, he topped the timesheets in 2023, demonstrating his adaptability to the challenging street circuit.
Excitement and realistic expectations
Speaking exclusively to select media including Pit Debrief ahead of his debut, Drugovich expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity whilst maintaining realistic expectations.
“It’s really exciting. I think I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve driven this car my whole life. And the last two years I’ve had a few tests with this car and now finally get to racing, it’s pretty exciting for me,” Drugovich explained. “So, yeah, I think also getting to do it in a double header is something that makes it even better.”
When asked by Pit Debrief about his primary objectives for the weekend, the Brazilian was candid about his approach. “I think I try to keep myself out of expectations and goals at the moment. I think I have no idea what to expect. If you ask me the same question at the end of the day, I might tell you,” he said.
“But at the moment I think it’s just staying out of trouble, trying to learn as much as I can. At the same time, I think I need to use this double header as a tool and use the first day to make the mistakes I need to make and try to capitalise on the second day. But at the same time, it’s not a complete stranger, the car.”
Despite his measured approach, Drugovich admitted he would be delighted with a points finish. “I would be obviously very happy with points,” he admitted. “I cannot put certain expectations, but it’s something that I just need to get out of here. Thinking that I didn’t leave anything on the table, I gave everything that I had. And that’s something that I’ll be very happy with.”
Adaptation and future prospects
The introduction of the pit boost adds an extra strategic element to Formula E racing, something Drugovich believes will suit his experience from other categories.
“We trained a little bit to do the race bits with the pit boost as well. Obviously, I think on the driving side, it wouldn’t change much. I think it’s the same for everyone, you can just get the extra one,” he noted. “But at the same time, it has a kind of strategy bit that you add into the race. And those, I can relate quite a lot to the other categories that I’ve done since F2 or F1 or Hypercar or whatever. So it’s good for me.”
When asked by Pit Debrief about the possibility of a full-time Formula E role, Drugovich hasn’t ruled out the option, particularly with the upcoming Gen4 regulations. “I think it’s something that I can consider. It’s looking good for the future, especially with the Gen4. I think the car is going to be quite fun to drive.”
“It would be an option for me in the future. I need to wait and see, especially this weekend. I think a good result in this weekend can mean a lot for me in the future. I’m not basing all my expectations on this weekend, but I think it’s something that would for sure help me.”
Mahindra’s strong season
Drugovich joins a team enjoying excellent form this season. Mahindra currently occupies fifth place in the championship standings following 12 races, with podium finishes in Monaco and Jakarta highlighting their competitive pace. The team has also maintained a perfect record of reaching the qualifying duels whilst scoring points in nearly every race.
His teammate for the Berlin weekend will be Edoardo Mortara, Mahindra’s regular driver who continues his full-season campaign.
When asked about adapting to Formula E’s unique characteristic of silent racing, Drugovich showed his lighter side, “Yeah, I will miss a bit of sound. I can play it on my phone before I jump in the car.”
As for advice from the driver he’s replacing, Drugovich revealed, “Drive fast on brush, that was basically the same thing that I would expect from him. But yeah, we spoke a little bit, but it’s something very, I don’t know, it’s hard for him also to give me tips.”
With his wealth of experience across multiple racing categories and his proven ability to adapt quickly, Drugovich’s Formula E debut promises to be one of the most anticipated storylines of the Berlin E-Prix weekend.
