Charging Into the Spotlight: Rookies Take Free Practice in Miami

It’s time for the rookie free practice test, scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, in Miami. Eleven rookies were announced by all 10 teams to participate in this session, including both new and veteran faces.

Andretti—Dennis Hauger

Norwegian racer Dennis Hauger, who is scheduled to join Dale Coyne Racing in the IndyCar Series, has furthered his partnership with Andretti to take part in the 2026 rookie test. From 2022 until 2024, Hauger competed in Formula 2. Together with Andretti Global, he participated in the 2025 Indianapolis NXT and took home the title.

Citroën Racing—Theo Pourchaire

Citroën Racing selected French racing driver Théo Pourchaire, who presently represents Peugeot in the FIA World Endurance Championship. His experience in previous rookie sessions has solid results with fast laps and clean driving skills. In addition to being the 2020 Formula 3 and 2022 Formula 2 runner-up, he was the 2023 Formula 2 champion.

Cupra Kiro—Pepe Marti

With a change of the regulations, Pepe Marti, as a rookie to the season, is able to participate in the rookie free practice for his team, Cupra Kiro. In previous years, 2023 to 2025, Marti participated in the FIA Formula 3 Championship for Campos as part of the Red Bull Junior Team. He finished fifth in the standings with three victories.

Pepe Martí on the challenges of starting over in Formula E

DS Penske—Nikita Bedrin

Nikita Bedrin most recently represented Italy in the Formula Regional European Championship for Saintéloc Racing. Showcasing his racing prowess by dominating many of the racing series he’s participated in. Bedrin is an Italian F4 race winner and placed fourth in the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 Championship.

Envision Racing—Zak O’Sullivan

A familiar face for Envision Racing as they once again select British racer Zak O’Sullivan for the rookie test. O’Sullivan competes for Kondo in Super Formula and CarGuy MKS Racing in Super GT. O’Sullivan won the 2021 GB3 Championship, the 2019 Ginetta Junior, and the 2020 British F4 and finished second in the 2023 Formula 3.

Jaguar TCS Racing—Alessandro Giusti

Another familiar face last seen in the FE rookie test with Lola Yamaha, the French racer Alessandro Giusti will represent Jaguar this time around. Racing for MP Motorsport in the FIA Formula 3 Championship as a member of the Williams Driver Academy. Giusti previously participated in the French F4 Championship, winning the title in 2022.

Lola Yamaha—Hugh Barter

This time around Lola Yamaha has selected Hugh Barter, the Australian-Japanese racer who most recently competed for Campos Racing in the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship. He has previously participated in the French F4 Championship and the Spanish F4 Championship, placing second in both events in 2021 and 2022.

Mahindra Racing—Chloe Chambers

A lovely sight to see following her speedy results in the FE Women’s Test, Mahindra, spotting a great opportunity, has partnered with Chloe Chambers. She participated in the Red Bull Ford Academy Program’s F1 Academy for Campos Racing, finishing third in the 2025 season. Initially in 2024, racing with Campos Racing under the HAAS livery, she secured her maiden win in Barcelona and finished top 4 in the standings.

Nissan—Abbi Pulling

Abbi Pulling serves as the Nissan Formula E Team’s rookie and simulator driver. In addition, the British racing driver is presently representing Rodin Motorsport in the GB3 Championship. Pulling secured the 2024 F1 Academy drivers’ championship with Rodin Motorsport and Alpine livery; previously working with the same team and as part of the Alpine Academy, she managed to finish 5th in the 2023 F1 Academy standings.

Nissan—Gabriele Mini

Nissan, having two rookies participate in the rookie test this weekend, has partnered with Gabriele Minì, who previously competed for Prema in 2025. He will represent MP Motorsport in the FIA Formula 2 Championship as a member of the Alpine Academy. Mini demonstrated his strength and experience in the previous Berlin Rookie Test, and it appears that Nissan intends to make the most of the rookie test with their choice of drivers.

Porsche—Ayhanacan Güven

Rounding out the rookies, Porsche has brought in Ayhancan Güven, their factory driver. He currently competes in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, where he is the 2025 champion. Güven’s performance has added pressure, as the results could put him into contention for a Porsche seat for the 2026/27 season.

Anticipation Builds

With fans anticipating the Miami E-Prix and the rookie test, this weekend is sure to be spectacular. For these rookies hoping for an opportunity, Formula E promises fast laps, chaotic racing, and a peek into the possible future. Anything can happen. Join us as we track the Miami E-Prix beginning on Friday, 30th, 2026, for all of this and more.