While Berlin’s rookie test delivered valuable data for teams, the drivers behind the wheel gave equally compelling insights, especially when it came to how driveable the GEN3 Evo car truly is.
For many of the rookies, it wasn’t just their first time in Formula E machinery, it was also their first time grappling with its unique style on the challenging Berlin circuit, that demand precision and patience.
New Car, New Impressions
Abbi Pulling (Nissan), fresh from a recent GB3 campaign, returned to FE testing with confidence and context. “Just to get closer and closer. Happy to be involved behind the scenes and looking forward to see, what they can do in London” With a simulator and rookie role at a title-winning Nissan team, she’s in no rush—but made it later clear to the media, including The Girls Who – Motorsport, that Formula E is on her radar.
Ella Lloyd (Neom McLaren), moving up from F1 Academy, was caught off guard by the Gen3 Evo’s boost in power. “It was quite a big jump […] really loved that moment” she said. “Hopefully this afternoon we can push forward and see, what we can do.”
Dino Beganovic (Mahindra) was tackling the car for the first time, describing the shift as “Really interesting, a new experience […] This car, compared to anything in the ladder to F1, is a big jump. […] The downforce level is a lot lower than what most of us are used to. It changes quite a lot in driver technique.”
Yet despite his long-term aim of reaching Formula 1, Beganovic recognised the value in Formula E’s challenge and high level of competition: “There’s definitely a bright future for FE.”
Arthur Leclerc (Maserati MSG Racing), back in FE testing after five years, was most struck by the evolution of the car and systems. “It felt completly new today. […] A lot of new system. It’s changing quite a lot, you can feel that this one has quite a lot more potential.”
Frederik Vesti (Andretti), testing for the second time, embraced that complexity. “The four wheel drive is definitly something intresting. It’s a different race car. It’s like driving two race cars at the same run. And I think that’s quite special and different.”
Across the board, the rookie verdict was clear: GEN3 Evo isn’t an easy car, but it’s a rewarding one. And in that challenge, many of these young drivers saw opportunity.