Frederik Vesti has returned to the Formula E paddock in Berlin for a second year of testing, this time behind the wheel of the new Gen3 Evo car with Andretti. While Vesti is no stranger to electric machinery, the evolution of the car has offered a new challenge for the Danish driver. His prior exposure to the original Gen3 car allowed him to approach the test with a foundational understanding, which he found valuable in adjusting to the latest iteration.
“Yeah, honestly, it’s cool to be back for the second year. Obviously, experience last year gives me something to work with this year, something to expect and that’s really, really quite cool and four-wheel drive is definitely something interesting. It’s not something I’m used to previously in my career, but when you activate it’s a really cool feeling, you get a good kick and it’s a different race car, it’s like driving two different race cars in the same run and I think that’s quite special and different.”
This new Gen3 Evo model marks a significant mid-generation leap for Formula E, particularly with the addition of front powertrain activation. The result is a transformative sensation for the driver, a fact Vesti enthusiastically highlights. His excitement about this evolution reflects not only the unique engineering behind the car but also the creative demands it places on a driver’s adaptability.
Insights from a World Champion
During his time in the Andretti garage in Berlin, Vesti received guidance from 2022-2023 Formula E champion Jake Dennis. The input from Dennis proved invaluable as Vesti worked to master the finer details of the car’s behaviour on track.
“Yeah, he’s around, he’s looking at the data with me and my engineer and obviously giving the advice that he can on lines, on brake shapes, all of this is very different to what I’m usually running. I was doing a test in Formula One just five days ago and then jumping into this is quite significantly different, but the goal is the same in both cars, you want to maximise the car and the potential and that’s what we’re doing today.”
This transition from a recent Formula One test to the Formula E car underscores the contrast between the two racing disciplines. While the principles of extracting maximum performance remain consistent, the tools and techniques differ significantly.
Comparing Formula One and Formula E
Few drivers are afforded the opportunity to test both Formula One and Formula E machinery within such a short time frame. Vesti, having tested an F1 car just days prior, is in a unique position to offer a fresh comparative perspective.
“Well obviously the F1 car has a lot of grip and a lot of potential, but what really is quite special with the Formula E is all the systems, you can play around with so many things as a driver and it feels like you need to be half a driver, half an engineer to run this car and maximising it, because you can just change the brake shapes, the way the car feels, you can change corner by corner and that’s the biggest difference.”
This hands-on approach to car setup and manipulation highlights a core strength of Formula E machinery. It places considerable strategic control in the driver’s hands, pushing them to develop a deeper technical awareness. Vesti’s appreciation for this complexity is evident and shows his respect for the discipline’s intellectual demands.
Is Formula E a future destination?
Although Vesti is currently not racing full-time in a single-seater championship, his career remains active and diverse. In addition to his role as reserve driver for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, he is competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship for Cadillac Whelen where he sits 13th in the championship despite missing two of the season’s six rounds so far. With his growing involvement in Formula E testing, questions naturally arise regarding a potential future in the all-electric series.
“It’s definitely interesting. Formula E is a world championship. I want to be world champion and I think that has a lot of interest and also Formula E has some of the greatest drivers, active racing drivers and for sure that makes it interesting and yeah we’ll see what happens, but I’m just happy to be here today and continue the learning, continue developing as a driver as well.”
Vesti’s aspirations are clear. He aims to reach the pinnacle of whichever discipline he competes in, and Formula E, as a recognised FIA world championship, holds clear appeal. However, for now, his focus remains on learning and development. His balanced approach suggests a driver with long-term ambitions and the patience to build towards them.
