Felipe Drugovich Joins Mahindra Racing for Berlin E-Prix Substitute Role

Felipe Drugovich, a rising star in motorsport, is set to make his ABB FIA Formula E World Championship debut with Mahindra Racing at the Berlin E-Prix scheduled for July 12 and 13, 2025. He will be substituting for Nyck de Vries, who has prior commitments to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship during the same weekend. This announcement comes as Mahindra Racing aims to enhance its performance in the ongoing Season 11, where the team currently holds the fifth position in the standings, buoyed by podium finishes in Monaco and Jakarta.

Drugovich, 25, from Maringá, Brazil, has garnered attention in the racing community due to his impressive track record, which includes championship victories in both the Euroformula Open and the FIA Formula 2 Championship. His transition to Formula E marks a significant step in his career, as he combines his role as a Reserve Driver for Aston Martin in Formula 1 with appearances in various sports car competitions, including IMSA and the European Le Mans Series.

In his own words, Drugovich expressed enthusiasm about joining Mahindra Racing: "I’m very happy to confirm I will be making my Formula E debut with Mahindra Racing in Berlin. 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. 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."

Frederic Bertrand, the CEO and Team Principal of Mahindra Racing, indicated that Drugovich was the standout candidate for the substitute role. "It’s been on our radar for a while now that we would need to find a solution for Berlin to substitute for Nyck. Felipe quickly emerged as the standout candidate, his achievements speak for themselves, and he’s been very impressive when he’s tested a Formula E car in the past," Bertrand stated. This proactive approach allows for ample preparation time for Drugovich to integrate with the team before the race weekend.

Drugovich's recent testing with Mahindra Racing at Circuito Guadix, Spain, has equipped him with vital experience on the team's Mahindra M11Electro, which conforms to the latest GEN3 Evo regulations. With 47 race victories and 71 podium finishes in his career thus far, Drugovich's debut is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

As Mahindra Racing looks to solidify its position in the championship standings, Drugovich's performance in Berlin could prove critical. His teammate for the event will be Edoardo Mortara, who has been a consistent performer for the team this season. The Berlin E-Prix, taking place at the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit, promises to be an exciting event, showcasing the talents of emerging drivers like Drugovich alongside seasoned competitors.

In summary, Drugovich's entry into the Formula E arena not only highlights his individual accomplishments but also reflects Mahindra Racing's strategic decisions aimed at optimizing their competitive edge in the evolving landscape of electric motorsport. The implications of this substitution extend beyond immediate race results, as they signal the team's commitment to nurturing talent and adapting to the dynamic demands of high-level racing.