Are Formula E Rookies Finally Getting The Recognition They Deserve?

With Taylor Barnard enjoying an impressive rookie season last year, many wondered whether it was simply a one-off. Beating some of the best drivers on the grid, Barnard looked like the exception. This year, three new rookies joined the grid and have each given impressive performances.

(Image credit to Formula E Website)

Rookies have always had a tough time in Formula E, but after Taylor Barnard's impressive rookie season in Season 11, another three rookies entered the championship. Some performances have gone under the radar, while others have been impossible to ignore. With another season of impressive rookie performances, will this change how rookies are seen in Formula E?

With the arrival of three new rookies in Season 11, one truly made a mark. That was Taylor Barnard. Five podiums, two poles and continuous fighting at the front meant that he was on everyone's radar from the beginning of Season 11. Barnard pushed the boundaries, becoming the first rookie since Nick Cassidy in Season 7 to stand on the podium. Other rookies, such as Zane Maloney and David Beckmann, did not make the same impression, with Beckmann scoring one point in the season finale and Maloney finishing pointless.

David Beckmann lost his seat, while Zane Maloney achieved his first points in Season 12 but continues to have a difficult run of DNFs. Despite driving a less competitive car this season, Taylor Barnard has still outperformed both his teammate and Zane Maloney. Many thought that Barnard was an exception, but this season has proved different. It shows that rookies can fight at the front from the very beginning.

Many rookies find that they only last one or two seasons, often being outperformed by their more experienced teammates. These include Sacha Fenestraz, Jehan Daruvala, Antonio Giovinazzi and David Beckmann. Formula E has always been a championship built around experienced drivers. With the racing being so close and the challenges high, those who could not compete were shown the door and replaced.

For many teams, choosing a more experienced driver was the safer option. The strongest teams have the pick of many championship winners still racing, making it difficult for younger drivers to get opportunities.

This year, that was even more evident, with Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne finding himself without a seat, alongside podium finisher Jake Hughes. Instead, it was rookies who got their chance to shine, with Taylor Barnard switching teams in his second full season and three other drivers getting the opportunity to race. This year, three rookies entered the sport. Two of them were known to Formula E fans, Felipe Drugovich and Joel Eriksson, but there was also an outsider in Pepe Martí, arriving from Formula 2.

Even with Taylor Barnard’s performance, there were still questions about how these drivers would do in the seat. Formula E is known for how close the racing is, so seeing these rookies get up to speed so quickly has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. As the season reaches its conclusion, all three rookie drivers have now stood on the podium on merit.

Pepe Martí has arguably made the biggest impression. He is currently beating his more experienced teammate on points and is ahead of race winner Dan Ticktum in the championship standings. While Martí's qualifying performances have not always matched his teammate's pace, he has gained 71 places during the season. Although he lost top spot in the Engineered To Outrun standings after Shanghai, that total highlights his ability to fight through the field. With rumours that Dan Ticktum may not have a seat next year at Cupra Kiro, Martí will be in the running to continue with the team, showing that rookies have the pace and ability to perform from the start.

Others have still had a strong rookie season, with both Felipe Drugovich and Joel Eriksson going up against championship winners. While Felipe Drugovich struggled to match Jake Dennis early in the season, he quickly improved in both qualifying and the races. He achieved pole position, came close to the podium on several occasions and finally secured one. He even helped secure what looked to be the team's first one-two finish, before a post-race penalty took it away.

Joel Eriksson was similar, who has quietly racking up points against Sébastien Buemi. He finally gained attention due to a podium finish in Shanghai but had already shown his potential with several strong results, including a fourth-place finish. Like the other two drivers, his performances have not always received the attention they deserve, partly because of the team's position in the standings, but he has matched his teammate's pace and results.

Some people could argue that this is not surprising, as both Felipe Drugovich and Joel Eriksson have completed Formula E testing before and completed a couple of races. Joel has been a testing and reserve driver since 2023 and took part in half a season in 2021; however, this does not guarantee success, as seen with David Beckmann last season. Testing and preparation can help a driver adapt, but performing in a full-time race seat is a different challenge.

Two of the other drivers have also had strong junior careers while trying to reach Formula One. Pepe Martí achieved eighth in Formula 2 last season, while Felipe Drugovich won the championship. Formula One opportunities ultimately did not materialise for either driver, with seats becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Both drivers were supported by Formula One teams during their junior careers and were always seen as drivers with the potential to reach the top. All three rookies have proved that they have what it takes to stay in Formula E.

Rookie appearances in races have always been encouraged too. With many drivers also competing in endurance racing, rookie drivers get the chance to impress during the occasional race weekend as well as in rookie tests. These opportunities are important to see how a driver adapts to the car, but the biggest test is whether they can step up when given the chance, whether that is for a full season or a handful of races.

As Formula One seats become increasingly competitive, many junior drivers are looking towards Formula E as the next step; however, the series shows that drivers must perform to maintain their place. With these new additions to the grid proving they can succeed in their first season, it may lead to more upcoming drivers replacing experienced names who have competed since the beginning of the championship.

It is not just the older drivers who have to worry. With many upcoming drivers making a splash during their junior careers and immediately showing their ability, there is less risk for teams to take a chance on younger talent. With the steps now in place to test drivers before giving them a full-time seat, teams have more information than ever before.

Season 12 has shown that rookies are no longer simply making up the numbers. They are competing for podiums, matching experienced teammates and proving they can perform from the outset. With the grid potentially expanding next year, rookie names are already being brought up as possible additions. With more competition than ever before, the question is who will perform and who will miss out?

With some talented drivers currently on the sidelines and the season ending, we will soon find out who makes the cut.

Article Written by Amy Powis