Fresh off a successful Formula 2 campaign, Danish racer Frederik Vesti is set to make his Formula E debut with Mahindra Racing. He’ll be joining the team for the Rookie Test following the Berlin E-Prix on May 13th.
Vesti’s Junior Series results
Vesti has been a dominant force in the junior ranks of motorsport, racking up an impressive 37 victories and 81 podium finishes across various formulas. Formula 2 fans will likely recognize him from his near-championship run last year. The Danish driver secured an impressive six wins and ten podiums ending as championship runner-up. Unfortunately for Vesti Theo Pourchaire took home the F2 Drivers Championship.
While currently a reserve driver for Mercedes-AMG F1 Vesti shifted his racing focus to sport scars in the European Le Mans Series. However, this upcoming test marks his first taste of both Formula E and the much-anticipated Gen3 car.
Vesti ready to his debut in Berlin
Teaming up with Mahindra’s current reserve driver, Kush Maini, Vesti will get a full day of testing on the newly redesigned Tempelhof Circuit. Preparations are already underway. Vesti has visited Mahindra’s headquarters for a seat fitting and begun familiarizing himself with the car through their simulator program.
Mahindra Racing @FIAFormulaE rookie test drivers revealed ✅
Our Reserve Driver and current @Formula2 star Kush Maini (@kmainiofficial) will be joined by @MercedesAMGF1 Reserve Driver and 2023 F2 runner-up Frederik Vesti (@frederik_vesti) in Berlin! pic.twitter.com/ZmUhHkHWEc
— Mahindra Racing (@MahindraRacing) April 30, 2024
How the team and the driver commented
Thrilled about the opportunity, Vesti expressed his eagerness:
“This is a fantastic chance to test myself as a rookie in a whole new championship… I’m particularly excited to try out the Gen3 car, which I hear presents a unique challenge. That’s what really draws me to Formula E – the competition is fierce, and it attracts some of the best drivers and teams in the world.”
Mahindra Racing CEO and Team Principal, Frederic Bertrand, believes Vesti’s talent and experience will be a valuable asset:
“He’s young, driven, and undeniably fast – all the qualities we look for in a potential driver. His track record in the junior formulas speaks volumes. With a talent like Frederik alongside Kush, I’m confident we’ll have a productive test and continue propelling Mahindra Racing forward.”
This test serves a dual purpose: giving Vesti a chance to showcase his skills in Formula E and contributing to Mahindra Racing’s ongoing development efforts.
Mahindra’s season so far
Monaco proved brutal for Mahindra Racing. Despite qualifying in the top ten (P12 and P13), both drivers Mortara and de Vries struggled to convert that to a good result.
Mortara, showing early promise, was forced to retire due to a technical issue. De Vries, focused on energy conservation, saw his strategy foiled by a late safety car, leaving him stuck in P12.
This disappointing finish extends Mahindra’s point drought, making them the only team in the championship yet to score. However, the team remains optimistic. Their sights are now set on the upcoming Berlin double-header. They hope to finally break into the points and turn their season around.
