Formula E News: King to substitute for de Vries at Berlin E-Prix
Mahindra Racing announced that Jordan King will make his ABB FIA Formula E World Championship debut at the Berlin E-Prix substituting for Nyck de Vries.
With de Vries unavailable to participate in the double-header around Tempelhof Airport due to a pre-existing commitment to race in the WEC on the same weekend, the team will utilize the services of King, one of its two existing Reserve Drivers.
The 30-year-old’s extensive CV in international single-seaters includes stints in the IndyCar Series, FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3. King has previously acted as Test Driver for the Manor Racing Formula 1 team, and currently holds a simulator and development role with Alpine F1 Team.
King has extensive knowledge and experience with Mahindra’s M10Electro, having already completed eight test days – plus countless hours on the team’s simulator back at base – as part of his regular duties.
In preparation for Berlin, King will also participate in the designated ‘Rookie Free Practice’ – or FP0 – ahead of Rounds 6 & 7 of the season at Misano this weekend [13-14 April].
De Vries’ teammate Edoardo Mortara will race in Berlin, as planned.
Previewing his Formula E debut, Jordan King said: “It goes without saying that I’m hugely excited to make my debut in Formula E next month in Berlin.
“Mahindra is a team that I know inside and out after four years of working together, and a car that I’m already incredibly familiar with and helped to develop.
“My focus is on keeping the team’s momentum going on the development front, and of course to enjoy the opportunity to be out there racing again.”
Also present in Italy this week will be Formula 2 star Kush Maini. The Indian talent is on site in Emilia-Romagna for his first race as one of the team’s designated Reserve Drivers. His attendance will help further his development ahead of a planned outing at the Rookie Test following the Berlin E-Prix weekend.
The 23-year-old from Bangalore has enjoyed a promising start to the 2024 Formula 2 campaign, with a brace of pole positions and podium finishes from the opening six races, placing him fifth in the standings.
Looking ahead to his trip to Misano, Kush Maini explains: “I’m looking forward to attending my first Formula E race as Mahindra’s Reserve Driver.
“There’s a really good synergy at the moment between the work Nyck, Edo, Jordan and I are doing, but to a large degree it has been in isolation as we all have different schedules and commitments.
“So, it’s going to be really beneficial, not just for the team but also me as a driver, for all four of us to be in that race weekend environment and contributing towards the team’s continued progression in the same room.”
Mahindra Racing CEO and Team Principal, Frederic Bertrand added: “Although it is frustrating to lose Nyck for a weekend because of a calendar clash, he has pre-existing commitments to honour, so we’ve known for a while now that we will need to find a solution.
“Jordan fits the bill perfectly, for us. He knows both the car and the team and has already played an integral role in our development so far this season, so there is no ‘on-boarding’ process.
“For Kush, Misano is a great opportunity for him to really embed himself within the race team, and then we can begin his preparation for the Berlin Rookie Test, which will be his first opportunity in the car.
“We’re very excited to have him there with us, and to help him progress in what will be a new car for him.”