The world of Formula E has undergone a dramatic transformation during its four-month break, setting the stage for an electrifying Season 12. A significant reshuffle in the driver market, the arrival of a new manufacturer, and promising rookies stepping onto the grid have reshaped the championship ahead of its opening race, the São Paulo E-Prix in Brazil.
Major Team Changes and Driver Moves
The grid sees a notable change with Citroen Racing replacing NEOM McLaren for the new campaign. This fresh outfit has made a powerful statement by signing last season's championship runner-up, Nick Cassidy. Cassidy has moved from Jaguar TCS Racing and will partner with two-time champion Jean-Éric Vergne, who joins from DS Penske.
Vergne's former seat at DS Penske has been filled by Taylor Barnard, the former NEOM McLaren driver who impressed with a record-breaking rookie season. He will race alongside Maximilian Gunther. Meanwhile, Jaguar TCS Racing moved swiftly to replace Cassidy, bringing in the 2019/20 Formula E World Champion António Felix da Costa to line up next to Mitch Evans.
New Faces and Unchanged Line-Ups
Season 12 also welcomes a wave of exciting new talent. The 2022 Formula 2 Champion Felipe Drugovich makes his debut with Andretti Formula E, partnering Jake Dennis. Current Formula 2 driver Josep “Pepe” María Martí has joined Cupra Kiro alongside Dan Ticktum, while Joel Eriksson partners Sébastien Buemi at Envision Racing.
Some teams have opted for stability. Nissan returns with an unchanged pairing of championship leader Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. In a notable shift from driving, McLaren's Sam Bird will transition to a role as a race expert for the broadcast coverage.
Full Grid and Season Opener Details
The complete team and driver line-up for Formula E Season 12 is as follows:
- Jaguar TCS Racing: Mitch Evans and António Félix da Costa
- Nissan: Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato
- Mahindra Racing: Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries
- Citroën Racing: Nick Cassidy and Jean-Éric Vergne
- Porsche: Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller
- Andretti Formula E: Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich
- Cupra Kiro: Dan Ticktum and Josep María Martí
- DS Penske: Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard
- Envision Racing: Sébastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson
- Lola Yamaha ABT: Lucas di Grassi and Zane Maloney
Formula E Season 12 officially kicked off with the São Paulo E-Prix in Brazil on Friday. The race final is scheduled for Saturday at 2:05 PM local time, which translates to 10:35 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). This new season promises intense competition as established stars adapt to new teams and hungry rookies aim to make their mark on the world's premier electric racing series.
