Ahead of the Formula E weekend at the Berlin E-Prix, Felipe Drugovich opened up about his preparation for his debut. Filling in for Nyck De Vries in the Mahindra racing machinery.
Drugovich was not new to the FE machinery, driving in multiple rookie tests since 2023 for a range of different teams. However, he was yet to take part in a race situation.
In race 1 he had penalties for changing car components which left him at the back of the grid during a chaotic wet race. However, he held his own and was ready to get back in the car for the second race weekend.
For race 2, he missed out on the duels but seemed far more comfortable behind the wheel of his Mahindra.
Before the weekend began, Drugovich spoke to select media about his debut. He said, “Yeah, it’s really exciting. I think I’ve enjoyed every time I’ve driven this car in my life. And the last two years I’ve had a few tests with this car and now finally get to racing, it’s pretty exciting for me.”
“I think also getting to do it in a double header is something that makes it even better.”
Weekend expectations
The Brazilian wasn’t shy in admitting that he had low expectations for the weekend, with no idea what the weekend would bring. He said, “I think I try to keep myself out of expectations and goals at the moment. I think I have no idea what to expect. If you ask me the same question at the end of the day, I might tell you.”
“But at the moment I think it’s just staying out of trouble, trying to learn as much as I can. At the same time, I think I need to use this double header as a tool and use the first day to make the mistakes I need to make and try to capitalise on the second day. But at the same time, it’s not a complete stranger, the car.”
The wet conditions in Race 1 meant a baptism of fire for Drugovich. But he admitted that the experience he has driving different types of cars, notably Hypercar, translates to Formula E.
“It’s still a racing car with four wheels and there’s stuff on driving that I can compare. Also, the driving style from Hypercar to this, it’s not that dissimilar, I would say, because it’s quite low grip on both. And yeah, I think you can kind of relate to both.”
“And also, Cadillac has the hybrid bit, which is even more important than the F1 side. There’s a lot of stuff on the energy saving there that we do on the energy saving here, which you can compare.”
Future hopes
However, while he’s preparing for the second race of the weekend, his sights are also on the potential for a future in Formula E.
He told media, “I think it’s something that I can consider. It’s looking good for the future, especially with the Gen 4. I think the car is going to be quite fun to drive. Yeah, it would be an option for me in the future.”
“I need to wait and see, especially this weekend. I think a good result in this weekend can mean a lot to me in the future. I’m not basing all my expectations on this weekend, but I think it’s something that would for sure help me.”
