Drugovich set for Formula E debut with Mahindra as de Vries substitute

Felipe Drugovich will make his Formula E race debut in Berlin for Mahindra, as the Brazilian replaces 2020-21 Formula E world champion Nyck de Vries due to a clash in racing commitments.

The 2022 Formula 2 champion Drugovich, who was prepared to cover for an injured Lance Stroll at Aston Martin in Formula 1 last month, will contest both races around the Tempelhof Airport circuit on 12 and 13 July.

Drugovich has tested Formula E machinery before, setting the quickest lap time during an impressive stint over the 2023 Berlin Rookie Test with the Maserati MSG Racing team.

He’s now been snapped up by Mahindra, whose usual driver Nyck de Vries will be competing in the World Endurance Championship in Sao Paulo with Toyota.

Drugovich will partner full-time driver Edoardo Mortara, and has already spent some time behind the wheel of the team’s M11Electro Gen3 Evo machine during a private test in Spain.

“Formula E is a championship I’ve been around for a while now; having tested on several occasions, I’m excited to now get the opportunity to race,” Drugovich stated.

Both Mortara and de Vries have picked up podiums so far this season, and have banked a solid haul of points to see them fifth in the teams’ standings with four rounds remaining.

“Mahindra Racing is a fantastic team, one of the championship’s standout names, and it’s clear from their recent results that the new car is a significant step forward,” Drugovich added.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with them to prepare for Berlin, and I’m sure we can have a good weekend together.”

Drugovich becomes the second driver announced as a replacement for Berlin, with Nissan’s Norman Nato also prioritising WEC in favour of the Berlin rounds. Nato – who races with the Jota Cadillac squad – will be absent across the weekend which could see his team-mate, Oliver Rowland, crowned world champion.

Instead, Sergio Sette Camara will take his place, with the former Formula E driver acting as Nissan’s reserve across the 2024-25 campaign.