Formula E’s only rookie driver for season 10, Jehan Daruvala was pleased with what was a “very productive” test, as he continued to settle into Maserati MSG Racing.

Whilst Daruvala has previously tested for Mahindra Racing in season nine, this week’s official test in Valencia marked his first official run for Maserati, ahead of his spot on the grid for the 2023/24 season.

He competed in every session of the heavily interrupted week, following a sudden battery fire in the WAE (formerly Williams Advanced Engineering) garage during Tuesday’s lunch break.

In the first session of the test on Tuesday morning, Daruvala set the 13th quickest time, whilst he completed 45 laps overall. The Indian driver improved on his position on Thursday afternoon when testing was finally able to resume, as he ended what became the second day of testing in an impressive ninth spot. 71 laps of the Circuit Ricardo Tormo were completed by him in that session.

The final day saw him return to being the 13th quickest driver, but more importantly, he completed a stellar 128 laps. It meant that his grand total for the “smooth week” was 244 laps of the Spanish venue, which allowed him and the Monte-Carlo-based team to get through “all of the run plans”.

Daruvala enjoying a solid week of testing will do his confidence the world of good, ahead of his official debut in Mexico City in January. He’s already proven just in the test alone that he’s got the pace to get amongst the midfield at the very least, in what is arguably the most competitive championship to make your rookie appearance.

His one-lap pace also looks very strong, as his quickest lap during the week was just over three-tenth slower than Maximilian Günther’s.

The Formula 2 graduate now has just over two months to go through all the collected data, with him having his eyes set on entering the season-opener “in an even stronger position”.

“It’s been a very productive, insightful, and smooth week for me, and in the end, we got through all of the run plans that we wanted to complete,” Daruvala said.

“The test was a very important opportunity for me to get used to the car, to the systems, and the procedures we have, and every lap has been invaluable to improving my own understanding. Now we need to go over the data we collected so we can go to Mexico City in an even stronger position.”

Newly announced Maserati MSG Racing driver Jehan Daruvala has recognised that his debut Formula E campaign will be a “learning process”, with him expecting the “racing itself” to be difficult to adjust to.

It was announced on Wednesday that Daruvala would be making the step up from Formula 2 in 2024 to race in Formula E, a series he has been around this year.

Alongside his MP Motorsport F2 duties, Daruvala held the role of Mahindra Racing reserve driver during season nine, with him having also participated for the Indian manufacturer in the Berlin rookie test.

It does mean that Daruvala has some experience in Gen3 machinery, although he would’ve had more if Mahindra hadn’t faced issues in the Rome rookie practice session. Leaving his position at Mahindra to race for Maserati is a bold decision, mostly due to how special it would’ve been for the Indian driver to have raced for Mahindra.

However, Mahindra clearly have other ideas for the future that don’t include Daruvala, with the Banbury-based team having signed Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara. Daruvala has actually replaced Mortara at Maserati, a team who showed real promise in the second half of last season.

Maximilian Günther proved that Maserati’s package is more than competitive enough to fight for podiums and even victories, something Daruvala will aspire to achieve. However, his initial target for season 10 will be to settle into the championship, having competed in F2 for four seasons.

He is, of course, a very decorated F2 driver, having won four races in the junior category – his last win came in the 2022 Monza feature race. At just 24 years old, Daruvala could go onto have a long Formula E career, something which would likely increase the chances of Hyderabad returning to the calendar in the future.

Whilst it’s undoubtedly an exciting time for Daruvala following his move to the Monte-Carlo-based team, Formula E has proven to be one of the most challenging categories to adjust to. Ex-F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi is living proof of that, with the Italian having endured one of the worst rookie seasons in the history of the all-electric series in season eight.

As Daruvala points out though, he has “always been fast” no matter what car he’s driving, giving him confidence that he can settle into the series quickly. Looking ahead to his maiden campaign, he’s optimistic that he’ll be able to produce quick laps in qualifying; however, he admits that the frenetic peloton-style of racing will require time to understand.

Compared to his previous experience in F2, the Indian driver recognises that Formula E is “mentally very difficult” because “there’s a lot to manage”, such as the energy levels. As a result, he’s aware that his first season in the category will be a “learning process”.

“I think to be honest, I think the racing itself is going to be the part I think I will have to adjust to the most,” Daruvala said during a virtual roundtable to select media, when asked by Motorsport Week how long he expects it to take to get used to Formula E’s style of racing.

“I’ve always been fast in everything I’ve driven. I was also fast in the rookie test. I mean, it doesn’t mean I will automatically be fast when I drive, but I think doing a qualifying lap is something that I can do, but there’s a lot of learning to do behind-the-scenes in terms of in racing itself and Formula E.

“There’s a lot to manage. The energy, it’s mentally very difficult, so it’s definitely going to be a learning process for me, but something that I feel like I can cope with quite well with my experience in junior racing.”

Maserati MSG Racing have announced the signing of Formula 2 driver Jehan Daruvala for the 2023/24 season, with him partnering the retained Maximilian Günther.

After four seasons in F2, Daruvala will finally leave the feeder series to join a World Championship, in the form of Formula E. The Indian driver isn’t exactly a stranger to the series, having been Mahindra Racing’s reserve driver in season nine, whilst he also completed the Berlin rookie test and the Rome rookie session for the side.

It means that as well as departing F2, Daruvala has also left Mahindra, to take a full-time seat at Maserati alongside Günther, who will compete with the side for a second season.

Daruvala has taken the place of Edoardo Mortara, who recently left the team ahead of a rumoured move elsewhere, potentially to Mahindra. The 24-year-old is already an accomplished racing driver despite his young age, with him being a four-time F2 race winner.

Whilst he hasn’t won a race this season for MP Motorsport, he has featured on the rostrum three times, with his most recent podium appearance having come at Monaco, where he finished second in the F2 sprint race.

Daruvala’s arrival will see him embark on his maiden Formula E campaign, with him looking set to be the only rookie driver on the grid. The ex-Mahindra reserve is very much looking forward to racing for Maserati and is fully focused on “hitting the ground running” in the Mexico City season-opener in January.

“Formula E is a championship that I have admired for a long time, and after taking part in two test sessions, I’m very happy to have the opportunity to step up to a full-time race seat,” said Daruvala. “From my experiences so far, the Gen3 car is completely unique to drive, but I’ve found it to be a very rewarding experience.

“I would like to thank James and Maserati MSG Racing for giving me this chance and I can’t wait to learn more about the car and get to know the team better in pre-season testing, before hitting the ground running in Mexico City in January.”

Günther retained for 2024

Unsurprisingly, given just how well he ended season nine, Maserati have made the smart decision to retain Günther for season 10. The German only joined the team at the start of the 2022/23 season and showed instant speed in pre-season testing, where he topped almost every session.

However, the opening rounds were a disaster for Günther, who made several driver errors. His qualifying crash ahead of Diriyah R1 was particularly costly, as his car was too damaged to participate in the E-Prix. In all honesty, the opening six rounds for him and the team were dreadful, before his and Maserati’s campaign came to life at the German driver’s home event.

The Berlin double-header was the real turning point of Günther’s and Maserati’s season, as he claimed the team’s first podium of the year. With the exception of a DNF in Monaco, Günther finished no lower than sixth from rounds seven through to round 16 in London.

Across the final nine rounds of the campaign, Günther secured three P3 finishes, two pole positions in Jakarta and a famous victory also in the Indonesian capital. Günther’s stunning victory in Jakarta marked Maserati’s first in single-seater racing since 1957, marking a day to never forget.

Günther had a real swagger about him in the second half of the season, which could see him challenge the frontrunners from the get-go in season 10, if he can start the new season how he ended the previous one.

He’s delighted to remain with the Monte-Carlo-based team for a second season in what’ll be his fifth Formula E campaign, at just the age of 26 years old. The German driver is confident that himself and the team can continue from where they left off at the London E-Prix in July, and “achieve bigger and better things” in 2024.

“I’m very proud to continue with Maserati MSG Racing. We had a great first season together, particularly with the momentum we built in the second half of the year with one win, four podiums and two poles,” said Günther.

“Continuing to build on this base is something that I’m very much looking forward to in 2024, alongside working with Jehan as my new teammate. After seeing our performance trajectory unfold this year, I‘m confident we can go on to achieve bigger and better things in the future.”

Rossiter ‘confident’ Maserati can ‘fight at the front’

Team Principal James Rossiter is “excited” about Maserati’s line-up for season 10, with him recognising that the side now have a “blend” of youth and experience. Daruvala will, of course, need some time to get up to speed; however, the team boss is hopeful that Günther’s “strong understanding” of the Gen3 era will support Daruvala’s integration into the team and Formula E.

Daruvala certainly has incredibly big shoes to fill, given that Mortara was a valuable member of the team for six seasons. Whilst the Swiss driver was a key part of the side’s cog, Rossiter is a huge believer in Daruvala’s “determination”.

Maserati’s driver pairing is certainly an exciting one which will arguably only grow stronger the longer Daruvala spends behind the wheel, leaving Rossiter “confident” that with the Indian star alongside the very quick Günther, the Jaguars and Porsches can be challenged in 2024.

“We’re excited about our driver lineup for Season 10, and we’re confident that the blend of Max’s experience with Jehan’s determination will prove to be a competitive combination. Max impressed us throughout the 2022/23 season, and continuing our relationship was a natural decision,” admitted Rossiter.

“He has brilliant speed, a strong understanding of Formula E’s Gen3 package, and with five seasons of experience – despite being aged only 26 – has an impressive amount of knowledge.

“That experience will be invaluable for Jehan, who has already shown good promise in his two rookie test outings with Mahindra earlier this year. Over the past four years, he has shown hunger and determination in Formula 2, and has clearly demonstrated that he has what it takes to win races. Now, Jehan is ready to do the work it takes to succeed in Formula E.

“In Season 9, we faced many highs and lows, but we learned a great deal from every scenario we faced. After making some positive performance gains over the Summer, we’re looking forward to getting Season 10 underway, and with our lineup, we’re confident that we can be in a position to fight at the front of the grid.”

Roberto Mehri and Jordan King will join team reserve driver Jehan Daruvala as part of a three-driver lineup for the Berlin rookie test on Monday.

Mehri and King will share a car while Daruvala will complete the full day of testing for the team.

Mahindra is the only team to field three drivers in the test and is one of few teams to field their test or reserve drivers as part of the test.

Daruvala joined the Indian team at the start of the season, pairing his reserve duties with his fourth Formula 2 campaign with MP Motorsport. The Indian driver left the Red Bull junior programme and when speaking to Motorsport Week earlier this year, affirmed that Formula E is his current goal.

 “My role as Reserve Driver means I have already driven laps in the simulator, and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the M9Electro for real. As an Indian, I’m especially proud to be driving for the only Indian manufacturer on the grid and I’m really grateful to Mahindra Racing for giving me this opportunity.”

King will have his first outing in Formula E machinery after acting as the team’s sim and development driver for the past two years. King has previously taken part in both WEC and IndyCar as well as acting as a development driver for Manor and Alpine Formula One team. The Briton will be able to bring a wealth of experience from two years in the simulator to the track.

“It’ll be good to take the weekend’s simulator work straight to the track on Monday morning and carry on the progression and learning. As always, I’m grateful to the team for the opportunity to represent them and I can’t wait to get out there.” 

Mehri has bounced around the single-seater series over the past few seasons, making appearances in Formula 2, Super Formula Lights and S5000 as well as campaigns in Super GT. The Spaniard had one season in Formula One in 2015 with Manor, before leaving and heading to WEC.

“I will put in all my effort to do a good job for the team. Adapting to a new challenge is exciting and I look forward to it.”

Jehan Daruvala belives that his upcoming FIA Formula 2 campaign will aid his Formula E hopes for the future.

Announced as Mahindra Racing’s reserve driver at the end of November 2022, Daruvala will embark on a combined programme of simulator work and race weekends with the team on site.

The former Red Bull Junior will also run for his fourth season in FIA Formula 2 with reigning Teams’ and Drivers champions MP Motorsport, as he looks to mount a title challenge once again.

“There are a lot of things that are working well, and combined with my Formula E reserve role, it was definitely the best option for me,” Daruvala told MotorsportWeek.com. “To stay race fit, to be fighting in a championship which is at a super high level.”

Darvuala believes he is in the best place to develop his career, alongside experienced drivers in Lucas di Grassi and Oliver Rowland.

“It’s definitely good to have two drivers in the team who have a lot of experience – it’s probably the best team to be in and to be learning from two experienced drivers, they don’t keep anything from me.”

Daruvala’s relationship with Rowland dates back to his days in Formula Renault, where the Briton was Daruvala’s driver coach. Their existing relationship will likely benefit the team’s progression as they aim to make positive steps in understanding the Gen3 package.

The Indian driver is not the only Formula 2 talent to have looked to Formula E for their big break when Formula 1 seemed off the cards. In recent seasons, the likes of Sergio Sette Camara, Dan Ticktum and Jake Hughes have all jumped across to the all-electric racing series with positive results.

“It gives me good confidence, as well as it, gives teams good confidence that the guys coming from Formula 2 is at a good level and can compete right at the front,” Daruvala said.

Most recently, Hughes secured his first pole in Formula E after quitting Formula 2 halfway through the 2022 season to concentrate on his role as a reserve driver with Mercedes EQ. Daruvala believes Formula 2 is the perfect training ground for success in Formula E.

“Although they are different cars at the end of the day we have a lot of pressure in Formula 2. The experience does help and carry forward into Formula E.”

The championship has introduced mandatory rookie FP1 outings this year, similar to F1’s system that was utilised last year for the first time.

Formula E’s session is looking likely to be held at the Berlin E-Prix, with Daruvala expecting to make an outing at the German round.

“The plan will be to do the rookie session in Berlin. I’ll be at quite a few races that don’t clash with my F2 calendar. It’s going to be a busy year for me. It’s a new step in my career and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Looking ahead to the first home race event for both himself and the team this weekend in India, Daruvala added: “It’s going to be a huge event for the team and also the biggest event for me in the year, I’m looking forward to it for sure.”

Jehan Daruvala has been confirmed at MP Motorsport for the 2023 FIA Formula 2 season, partnering 2021 Formula 3 champion Dennis Hauger.

Daruvala is the last driver to be confirmed on the 2023 grid.

READ MORE: 2023 Formula 2 season: Which drivers are signed up to race?

The Indian driver is entering his fourth season in F2 completion, having spent the 2022 campaign with Prema alongside Hauger.

He took one victory across the year, as well as tallying eight podium finishes en route to seventh place in the Drivers’ Championship.

“I’m really pleased to be back in FIA Formula 2, and to be able to team up with MP Motorsport makes it extra special”, said Daruvala.

“Last year, I was stunned by MP’s remarkably consistent front-running pace, and in 2023 I hope to be the beneficiary of that myself!

“Together with Dennis, I’m confident that our combined experience and speed will contribute to MP fighting for wins once again.

“I really enjoyed working with the team in the post-season test and look forward to 2023 testing and the season that lies ahead.”

The 2023 F2 championship will get underway on March 4 at the Bahrain International Circuit.

“We are delighted to welcome Jehan to our FIA F2 team”, said Sander Dorsman, MP’s Team Principal.

“He has been a consistent frontrunner right from his debut in the category, taking wins in every F2 season he has competed in.

“His experience will be of great value to the team, so we are very much aiming for a repeat of last year’s form.

“Also, matching him up with Dennis will allow us to build on a smooth cooperation between teammates who already know each other well. With such a strong driver pairing for 2023, I can’t wait to go racing!”

Jehan Daruvala will take part in his third Formula 1 test with McLaren later this week, driving the MCL35M at the Circuit Paul Ricard.

Daruvala, who is currently competing in his third season of Formula 2, had private outings with McLaren earlier this year at Silverstone and Portimao.

His test activities with McLaren come despite being tied to the Red Bull junior programme since 2020.

McLaren has also run Pato O’Ward, Colton Herta and Alex Palou, all stars of the IndyCar field, in its 2021 car at private tests this year.

Daruvala currently sits fifth in the F2 standings with one round remaining in the 2022 season.

The Indian driver won at the most recent F2 event from Monza, prevailing in the Feature Race for his first victory of the year.

Red Bull-supported Jehan Daruvala will continue his Formula 1 test programme with McLaren in Portugal next week.

Daruvala, 23, sampled McLaren’s MCL35M at Silverstone last month as permitted under TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) regulations.

Red Bull granted Daruvala permission to link up with McLaren in order to gain experience of Formula 1 machinery.

Daruvala currently holds fourth in the Formula 2 standings, in his third season in the category.

McLaren tested at Portimao last week with IndyCar racer Colton Herta receiving his much-anticipated outing before long-term development driver Will Stevens took over proceedings.

Daruvala is set to take to the circuit on Monday and Tuesday aboard the MCL35M.

“My first taste of Formula 1 machinery was surreal and I can’t wait to get back in the car again in Portimao,” he said.

“I came away from the Silverstone test with a lot of confidence as both from a driving and physical perspective I did well and covered more than two race distances absolutely trouble-free.

“My dream has always been to race in Formula 1 and this test will build on what we achieved at Silverstone.”

Jehan Daruvala was behind the wheel of McLaren’s 2021 Formula 1 car earlier this week, with the outing taking place at Silverstone.

Daruvala is a member of the Red Bull junior programme, but received permission from the energy drink-backed squad to drive McLaren’s car.

It marked the Indian driver’s first experience behind the wheel of F1 machinery.

“What a couple of days it’s been,” Daruvala wrote on social media. “An unreal experience driving a Formula 1 car for the first time around Silverstone. 

“A big thank you again to everyone that made this happen, I had lots of fun and learned so much in just two days.”

Daruvala is currently competing in his third season of Formula 2, and sits third in the Drivers’ Championship with Prema Racing.

In the opening six rounds of the 2022 campaign, Daruvala has taken five podium finishes, including four second-place results.

India has only had two Formula 1 drivers in its history – Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chandhok. 

Prema has confirmed that it will field Dennis Hauger and Jehan Daruvala as its drivers in the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Hauger competed for Prema in last year’s FIA Formula 3 season, ending the campaign as the series champion.

The Red Bull junior driver scored four wins, three pole positions and nine podiums across the year.

The Norwegian, who is part of Red Bull’s junior programme, was present with the Prema F2 outfit at the post-season test, getting his first taste of F2 machinery.

“I’m delighted to continue with Prema in 2022. We had a good year in 2021 with some amazing teamwork, and I really enjoyed it,” Hauger said. 

“I’m extremely happy that they keep believing in me, and I’m looking forward to carrying on the hard work we put in together this season as well.”

Hauger will partner fellow Red Bull junior Jehan Daruvala at the team this year, with the Indian driver continuing for a third season in F2.

Daruvala spent the last two seasons racing with Carlin, ending the 2020 and 2021 campaigns 12th and seventh in the standings respectively.

“I’m really happy to be back at Prema and continue to be part of the Red Bull Junior Team for the 2022 FIA F2 Championship,” Daruvala said. 

“We have worked together in the past and share a fantastic relationship. Prema is a champion team and I can’t wait to get started and look forward to a successful F2 campaign.”

The 2022 F2 season will get underway on March 19 in Bahrain, supporting the opening round of the Formula 1 season.

Prema has been one of the most successful teams in F2, taking the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in 2020 and 2021.