On 30 January 2026, on the urban track of the Miami International Autodrome, Formula E is organising its annual Rookie Test session. Between measured performances and strategic ambitions, this day reveals how the electric championship has become a magnet for young talent in world motorsport.
On paper, there will be no trophies to lift or points to score on Friday January 30. However, this day specially dedicated to rookies, scheduled on the eve of the Miami E-Prix, could have a major impact on the careers of several young drivers. For six hours, 11 rookies from F2, F3, INDY NXT and simulator programmes will take the wheel of 100% electric Gen3 Evo single-seaters, in conditions similar to those of an official qualifying session.
And while the exercise may seem technical, it actually reflects a profound transformation in the motorsport landscape. Today’s young drivers are no longer just looking to Formula 1. They are also increasingly looking to Formula E.
A championship that has changed dimension
When Formula E kicked off in 2014 in Beijing, with its urban races and mid-race car changes, many saw it as an experimental series, sympathetic but anecdotal. A decade later, the picture has changed radically. The championship has become an FIA World Series, with 11 manufacturers entered and 22 drivers, and a B Corp certification that makes it the first motor racing championship to receive official recognition for its social and environmental impact.
The year 2025 is highly representative of a booming craze. Indeed, the previous year generated more than 580 million viewers worldwide, an increase of more than 25% compared to 2024. The Miami GP, which takes place this weekend, is expected to attract over 5 million viewers.
This move upmarket is reflected in the technology. The Gen3 Evo, introduced in 2024, offers levels of acceleration and energy regeneration that rival those of the first Formula 1 single-seaters.
In this context, the Rookie Tests are a selection tool, a moment when the teams concretely evaluate the adaptability, maturity and learning speed of young drivers who have never, or rarely, driven in Formula E. In Miami, the 3.07km circuit, with its long acceleration phases and technical sections, will provide a particularly demanding testing ground.
Profiles that speak volumes about the attractiveness of the championship
Several teams have confirmed their drivers for the session on 30 January:
- Théo Pourchaire (Citroën Racing) – F2 champion and former FE test driver, returns to strengthen the team and assess the adaptation to Miami.
- Zak O’Sullivan (Envision Racing) – This young British driver, who is already at the top of the simulator programmes, will be back at the wheel of the Gen3 Evo.
- Dennis Hauger (Andretti) – F3 champion and current INDY NXT driver, put on track to progress in electrics.
- Hugh Barter (Lola Yamaha ABT) – The driver has already worked on the previous tests and will provide valuable feedback on the car.
- Alessandro Giusti (Jaguar TCS Racing) – One of the youngest entrants, ready to demonstrate his growing power.
- Abbi Pulling and Gabriele Minì (Nissan) – Experienced in past tests, they are continuing their integration into the discipline.
- Nikita Bedrin (DS Penske) – Remains in the programme after previous appearances.
- Chloe Chambers (Mahindra Racing) – Top of the list after a convincing performance in tests.
- Pepe Martí (Cupra Kiro) – Driver from the international single-seater circuit.
- Ayhancan Güven (Porsche) – Official Porsche endurance and GT driver, invited to discover the Gen3 Evo.
This diversity of profiles shows that Formula E is no longer a simple alternative, but a destination in its own right, with its own codes, its own opportunities and its own career paths.
A strong signal for the future of motor sport
The Miami Rookie Tests will probably not make the headlines in the general press. Yet they tell us a lot about the state of motor sport in 2026.
In Miami, these young drivers won’t be racing just to impress an engineer or land a contract. They will be racing to take their place in a championship that is still in the making.
Formula E is no longer trying to convince. It’s moving forward. And judging by the interest generated by these tests, the drivers of tomorrow are already moving forward with it.
