Brazilian star Felipe Drugovich replaces Nyck de Vries at Mahindra Racing for Berlin E-Prix, bringing fresh energy and excitement to the Formula E grid.
Mahindra Racing has made a move that’s got motorsport fans buzzing: Brazilian talent Felipe Drugovich is all set to make his Formula E debut at the Berlin E-Prix on 12 & 13 July, stepping in for Nyck de Vries. While de Vries tackles his commitments in the FIA World Endurance Championship that weekend, Drugovich will take the wheel of the #21 Mahindra car.
It’s like seeing a promising young actor finally take center stage after years of rehearsals — and fans can’t wait to see what he brings to the electric racing scene.
Felipe Drugovich: A Star on the Rise
At just 25, Felipe Drugovich has already carved out a reputation as a fierce competitor. Born in Maringá, Brazil, Drugovich’s journey from karting tracks to international circuits has been nothing short of thrilling. With titles in Euroformula Open and FIA Formula 2 under his belt, he’s proven time and again that he belongs among the best.
Why Nyck de Vries Won’t Race in Berlin
Many fans were surprised to hear that Nyck de Vries won’t be in Berlin. But the reason is pretty straightforward: he has a prior commitment in the FIA World Endurance Championship that weekend. It’s like having two blockbuster movie premieres on the same day — even a star can’t be in two places at once!
Mahindra Racing’s Bold Call
Mahindra Racing didn’t waste any time in finding a replacement. Instead of picking just anyone, they chose a driver with proven skills and fresh energy. The decision to put Drugovich in the car wasn’t made overnight — the team carefully evaluated his past performances and strong testing results.
A Look at Felipe’s Racing Pedigree
With 47 race wins and 71 podium finishes to date, Drugovich’s resume speaks for itself. His experience ranges from single-seaters to endurance racing, including stints in IMSA, ELMS, and even the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Such a diverse background means he brings a toolbox full of racing wisdom to Berlin.
Formula E: New Territory, Familiar Challenge
While Formula E is a new chapter for Felipe, he isn’t exactly stepping into the unknown. He has already participated in Formula E rookie tests, even topping the timesheets in Berlin in 2023. So, in many ways, this debut feels like a long-awaited encore rather than a first act.
Testing the Mahindra M11Electro
Drugovich recently put the Mahindra M11Electro, built to the latest GEN3 Evo regulations, through its paces at Circuito Guadix in Spain. This test wasn’t just a shakedown — it was a critical chance for him to get a feel for the car’s unique characteristics and quirks. Think of it like a musician tuning a new guitar before a big concert.
Getting to Know the Berlin E-Prix Circuit
The Berlin E-Prix takes place at the Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit, a track known for its wide, fast straights and tricky corners. Fortunately for Drugovich, he’s no stranger to this venue, having tested here twice before. That prior knowledge could be his secret weapon in mastering the track quickly.
Mahindra’s Current Form and Momentum
Mahindra Racing enters Berlin sitting fifth in the championship standings after 12 races, boasting podiums in Monaco and Jakarta. The team has consistently reached the qualifying Duels and scored points in nearly every race. This strong foundation gives Felipe a promising platform to shine on his debut weekend.
Teaming Up with Edoardo Mortara
Felipe will partner with experienced driver Edoardo Mortara, a name well-known in Formula E circles. Their collaboration could be a fascinating dynamic: Mortara’s experience paired with Felipe’s youthful hunger might just prove to be the recipe for a surprise result.
CEO Frederic Bertrand’s Take on Felipe
Mahindra Racing CEO and Team Principal Frederic Bertrand has expressed immense confidence in Drugovich. Bertrand highlighted Felipe’s impressive resume and his past Formula E tests as key reasons behind this choice. The early announcement also allowed for thorough preparation — a luxury not often afforded in motorsport.
The Significance of This Debut
This isn’t just another race for Felipe; it’s a significant career milestone. A strong showing in Berlin could open doors for a permanent seat in Formula E or strengthen his position in Formula 1 paddocks. In a sport where every lap counts, this opportunity might just shape Felipe’s future trajectory.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans have reacted enthusiastically to the news, flooding social media with messages of support and excitement. Many see this as the perfect chance for Drugovich to showcase his talents on a new stage and for Mahindra to inject fresh energy into their campaign.
What’s Next for Drugovich?
While his future beyond Berlin isn’t set in stone, a standout performance could influence many paths ahead. Whether he continues as a reserve in Formula 1 or becomes a fixture in Formula E, Drugovich’s journey is clearly one to watch closely.
Formula E’s Evolving Driver Landscape
Drugovich’s entry into Formula E highlights the championship’s growing appeal among top drivers worldwide. As Formula E evolves, we’re seeing more crossover from other series — and that diversity only adds to the thrill for fans.
The Broader Impact on Mahindra Racing
By bringing in Drugovich, Mahindra signals its commitment to nurturing top talent and pushing the limits. This strategic move could also boost team morale and keep the competitive spirit alive as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Felipe Drugovich stepping into Mahindra’s #21 car in Berlin isn’t just a temporary substitution — it’s a captivating storyline that blends opportunity, excitement, and a hint of unpredictability. As fans eagerly wait to see how this talented Brazilian adapts to the electric world of Formula E, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Berlin.
FAQs
1. Why is Nyck de Vries not racing for Mahindra in Berlin?
Nyck de Vries has a prior commitment to race in the FIA World Endurance Championship that weekend, which prevents him from participating in the Berlin E-Prix.
2. Has Felipe Drugovich raced in Formula E before?
No, Berlin will mark Felipe Drugovich’s Formula E race debut, though he has tested Formula E cars and participated in rookie tests before.
3. What car will Felipe Drugovich drive in Berlin?
He will drive Mahindra Racing’s #21 car, the M11Electro, built to the latest GEN3 Evo specifications.
4. Who will be Felipe’s teammate during the Berlin E-Prix?
Felipe will team up with Edoardo Mortara, Mahindra Racing’s regular driver.
5. Could Felipe Drugovich continue in Formula E after Berlin?
It’s possible. A strong performance might lead to future opportunities in Formula E, though his current plans beyond Berlin remain open.
