The big motorsport stars that have taken part in Formula E Rookie Tests

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The big motorsport stars that have taken part in Formula E Rookie Tests

With the FIA Formula E Rookie Free Practice session returning this weekend in Miami, 30 January, we have taken a look back at some big names that have found themselves behind the wheel of the championship's all-electric race car over the past few years.

Alexander Albon Formula E Rookie Test 2018 Marrakesh

Alexander Albon 

Before Alex Albon found himself thrown into the world of Formula 1, he took part in the 2018 Formula E rookie test in Marrakesh. The young Thai-British racing driver got a chance behind the wheel of an all-electric GEN1 machine, representing the Renault e.dams squad. 

Pietro Fittipaldi 

This Brazilian-American racing driver has taken part in the Rookie Test twice, getting experience at the wheel of electric race cars in 2018 and 2019 with two different teams. Although he is mainly found around the Haas Formula 1 garage with his test and reserve driver duties, he proved quick when trying his hand at Formula E - finishing the inaugural Rookie Test second fastest. 

His younger brother, Enzo Fittipaldi, got his own opportunity in Formula E machinery in the 2024 Berlin Rookie Test. 

Kyle Kirkwood

Now known as an IndyCar frontrunner with multiple race wins to his name, American Kyle Kirkwood has been on the Formula E radar since his rookie test in 2020. Repping BMW i Andretti Motorsport during the day-long session, Kirkwood quickly got the hang of his BMW iFE.20 and ended the day fifth fastest.

Antonio Giovinazzi 

Antonio Giovinazzi’s Formula E story ended up going full circle. He got a chance to represent DS Virgin Racing for the first rookie test in 2018, with the Italian looking right at home in the all-electric paddock. 

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However, the following year got the call-up to Formula 1 full-time, racing for Alfa Romeo, and did so until the end of 2021; but his electric adventure didn’t end there. Giovinazzi found himself back in Formula E for Season 8, racing with DRAGON/PENSKE AUTOSPORT for the remainder of the season apart from the final race in Seoul, where he sustained a hand injury. 

Arthur Leclerc

FIA Formula 2’s Arthur Leclerc tried his luck at an all-electric race car in 2020 with Monegasque team Venturi Racing. The driver, also from Monte Carlo, expressed how difficult it was to compare the championship to anything he’s done before but stated it was “really cool”. 

Colton Herta

The youngest driver to win an IndyCar race, Colton Herta had been on Andretti’s radar as early as 2018. The young American hadn’t even turned 18 at the time of his first rookie test and has since gone on to win nine races in IndyCar. 

In 2026, Herta will compete in FIA Formula 2 - his first season in the championship.

Paul di Resta

As well as future Formula 1 stars, past talents from the championship have also found their feet on the pedals of electric Formula E machines. With this being a perfect opportunity to try their hand at an electric car, big names in motorsport like Paul di Resta jumped at the chance to complete the rookie test with Jaguar in 2018. The DTM champ would top the morning’s session before finishing fourth overall. 

Alice Powell

W Series legend Alice Powell showed off her skills during the 2020 rookie test with Envision Racing. As well as the mid-season rookie test, Powell was also trusted to take part in the pre-season test for Season 8, sharing responsibility with the other two full-time drivers for Envision. 

Jamie Chadwick 

This three-time W Series champion has completed not one but two Formula E Rookie Tests. Jamie Chadwick completed the 2019 test with the NIO Formula E team and couldn’t keep away from the electrifying opportunity to get more laps under her belt with Jaguar the following season. 

In her role as Test and Development Driver for Jaguar, Chadwick also represented the team in the 2025/26 Women's Test in Valencia. 

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Sergey Sirotkin

After wrapping up his full-time career in Formula 1, Sergey Sirotkin swapped combustion engines for electric powertrains in the 2019 Rookie Test. Getting his hands on GEN2 machinery in Marrakesh, Sirotkin suited up with Mahindra Racing. 

SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2026 Miami E-Prix, Round 3

After an action-packed start to Season 12, you haven't got long to wait until ABB Formula E returns to your screen, and this time, we're returning to The Magic City: Miami. We'll be visiting the Miami International Autodrome. US teams Andretti, CUPRA KIRO and DS PENSKE will be looking to put on a show for their home fans on Saturday 31 January 2026.

Rookie Free Practice: 14:30 local | 19:30 UTC | Friday 30 January
Free Practice 1: 17:00 local | 22:00 UTC | Friday 30 January
Free Practice 2: 07:30 local | 12:30 UTC | Saturday 31 January
Qualifying: 09:40 local | 14:40 UTC | Saturday 31 January
Race: 14:05 local | 19:05 UTC | Saturday 31 January 

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