The opening round of the Formula E season in Sao Paulo witnessed a heart-stopping moment as rookie sensation Josep “Pepe” Martí made a dramatic and terrifying debut. The young Cupra Kiro driver, one of the most anticipated newcomers this season, was involved in a massive high-speed accident that brought the race to an abrupt halt.
The Sao Paulo Crash: A Debut to Forget
Josep “Pepe” Martí, aged 20, saw his first Formula E race end in spectacular and frightening fashion. Late in the Sao Paulo E-Prix, his car made contact with the Jaguar of seasoned driver Antonio Felix da Costa. The impact launched Martí's Cupra Kiro into the air, sending it crashing back onto the track with devastating force. The car shattered on impact, scattering debris across the circuit and immediately prompting race officials to deploy the red flag, ending the race early.
In a huge relief to his team, fans, and the entire paddock, the Spanish rookie managed to walk away from the wreckage unscathed. The safety cell of the Gen3 car performed its crucial role, protecting the driver from what appeared to be a career-threatening crash. Following the incident, a reflective Martí shared a heartfelt message, apologising to his team for the outcome and assuring everyone that he was physically fine. He vowed to rest, recover, and come back stronger for the next challenge on the calendar in Mexico City.
From Karting Champion to Formula E: Pepe Martí's Meteoric Rise
Martí's path to the all-electric championship is a classic tale of talent and perseverance. Hailing from Spain, he began karting at just 11 years old. His potential was quickly recognised, leading him to race for Fernando Alonso's team, where he clinched the Spanish Karting Championship in the Junior category. This victory set the stage for a rapid ascent through the single-seater ranks.
His professional journey has been uniquely tied to one team: Campos Racing. Martí joined Campos in Formula 4 and, showing consistent skill and development, progressed with them through Formula 3 and into Formula 2. This made him the only driver to complete his entire single-seater pathway with the team, a fact highlighted in an emotional farewell post from Campos on Instagram. The team celebrated their "five seasons" and "three categories" together, calling it "una familia" and thanking Martí for his passion and pride.
His credentials were further bolstered by his position in the prestigious Red Bull Junior Team. This affiliation, combined with his solid results, paved the way for his step up to Formula E with the Cupra Kiro squad, where he partners with Dan Ticktum.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Promise After a Rocky Start
Despite the shocking start to his Formula E career, the future remains incredibly bright for Pepe Martí. The primary takeaway from Sao Paulo is his safety, proving the resilience of both the driver and the championship's safety standards. With no injuries sustained, his focus can immediately shift to learning from the incident and preparing for the remaining 16 races of Formula E Season 12.
The young Spaniard possesses a proven track record of success and adaptation. His journey from karting champion to Formula 2 competitor demonstrates a remarkable ability to climb motorsport's ladder. Now, with the backing of Cupra Kiro and the experience of a dramatic first outing behind him, Martí is poised to showcase the talent that got him to this point. The Formula E grid has been put on notice: Pepe Martí is here, and he is determined to make his mark.
