The annual Formula E Berlin Rookie Test took place on July 14, 2025, at Berlin’s iconic Tempelhof Airport circuit. With all 11 teams participating, 22 promising young drivers were given a rare opportunity to drive the GEN3 Evo, the fastest-accelerating FIA single-seater on the planet.
The event featured two three-hour sessions, providing teams and drivers with plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the unique challenges of all-electric racing. While lap times were unofficial and no championship points were at stake, the test served as an essential platform for evaluating prospects and allowed rookies to experience the competitive world of Formula E.
Fastest Laps and Standout Performers
Nissan’s Gabriele Mini topped the timesheets in the afternoon session of the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test, setting the fastest lap of the day with a blistering 57.428 seconds, shaving a couple of tenths off his morning benchmark. His performance capped a highly competitive day in Berlin, where all 22 rookies were separated by just 1.5 seconds as teams maximized development programs and surpassed 1,000 laps collectively.
Ayhancan Guven made an impressive debut for Porsche, finishing second in the afternoon, only 0.226 seconds behind Mini. Mahindra Racing’s Kush Maini showcased his strong form, clocking a time fast enough for a top-three finish, closely followed by Jak Crawford, who secured fourth place.
Callum Voisin demonstrated his rapid adaptation skills by rounding out the top five, while NEOM McLaren’s Alex Dunne impressed in sixth, building on his recent Formula 1 Free Practice outing with McLaren in Austria.
The close competition and strong performances highlighted the depth of talent on display at this year’s Berlin Rookie Test.
Notable Debuts and Impressions
Elia Weiss (Tag Heuer Porsche), at just 16 years old, became the youngest driver to participate in a Formula E test. Weiss completed a full race simulation in the afternoon, impressing Porsche’s engineers with clean, controlled laps.
Daniil Kvyat (DS Penske), the most experienced driver in the lineup, contributed significant feedback during technical programs and was instrumental in the team’s energy management development.
The test also featured strong debuts from Bianca Bustamante (Cupra Kiro), who provided valuable technical feedback, and Arthur Leclerc, who returned to the series to support Maserati’s continued progress.
Track Action and Incidents
The Berlin Tempelhof circuit was true to its reputation for low grip and challenging energy management. Several minor incidents and technical stoppages prompted brief red flags, with drivers such as Callum Voisin (Cupra Kiro) and Hugh Barter (Lola Yamaha ABT) experiencing short delays. The day concluded without any major accidents or significant car damage, highlighting the overall preparedness and discipline of the field.
Technical and Development Focus
Beyond talent evaluation, teams used the test to trial software updates, cooling modifications, and regen mapping on the GEN3 Evo. Teams like Jaguar, Porsche, and Andretti integrated development drivers into race simulation programs, balancing rookies’ learning with valuable technical validation for upcoming championship rounds.
Team and Driver Impressions
Team principals and engineering staff praised the professionalism, pace, and adaptability shown by this year’s rookie class. Many noted an improvement in the rate at which newcomers were able to come up to speed, reflecting both increasing simulator preparation and familiarity with electric racing technologies.
What’s Next for Teams and Technical Development?
The Berlin Rookie Test proved to be far more than just an opportunity for aspiring drivers to lap the historic Tempelhof circuit. For the teams, it offered crucial data not only on emerging talent but also on the performance envelope of the upgraded GEN3 Evo package. Technical programs run during the sessions provided rich insight for future setups, race strategies, and software development, while the rookies offered fresh perspectives highly valued by engineering departments.
The Importance of the Rookie Test for Drivers’ Careers
For the drivers, excelling at the Rookie Test is more important than ever. With multiple current Formula E stars, like Taylor Barnard, Zane Maloney, Nick Cassidy, and Nyck de Vries, having used this platform as a career launchpad, a standout Berlin performance can be the difference-maker when seats open for the 2026 season. Manufacturers and sponsors also closely monitor these tests as Formula E continues to grow in prominence as a premier stage for next-generation talent, innovative technology, and sustainability in motorsport.
Rising Stars and Future Prospects
Several drivers from this year’s cohort, among them Gabriele Mini, Kush Maini, and Jak Crawford, have not only strengthened their cases for future race seats but have also set new benchmarks for pace and professionalism. Those who delivered strong race runs, technical acumen, and adaptability have significantly increased their standing within the paddock. Even rookies who faced minor challenges gained invaluable experience that will shape their future development.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The data and insights gained in Berlin will directly influence team line-ups, reserve driver roles, and development strategies throughout the remainder of this season and into 2026. As Formula E continues to evolve, combining electrification, urban racing, and global reach, the Berlin Rookie Test remains a cornerstone in the career progression of young drivers. Whether these rookies step into full-time race seats next year or continue developing in other series, their experience at Tempelhof has set a new standard for aspiring electric racing stars.
Final Thoughts: A Landmark Event for Formula E’s Future
Ultimately, the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test delivered on its promise: unveiling fresh talent, refining the competitive landscape, and advancing the future of electric single-seater racing. As teams analyze the test results and rookies prepare for their next opportunities, the eyes of the motorsport world will turn to the remainder of the Formula E calendar, eagerly anticipating how this new wave of drivers shapes the sport’s exciting future.
Featured Image Credit: Formula E Media Centre
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