Andretti Global confirmed that Freddie Slater and Callum Voisin would represent Andretti Formula E at the upcoming rookie test in Madrid, held at Circuito del Jarama after Round 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The two young drivers earned the opportunity after building strong reputations in the junior categories, with Slater rising quickly through the single-seater ladder and Voisin gaining experience across multiple racing disciplines. The test marks a first appearance with the team for Slater, while Voisin returns to Formula E machinery following an impressive rookie outing in Berlin last year.
Andretti backs Slater and Voisin for key Madrid rookie test opportunity
Andretti Formula E Team Principal Roger Griffiths welcomed Slater and Voisin and praised their progress through the junior ranks. He highlighted Slater as one of Britain’s most exciting young prospects, pointing to his recent titles in Italian Formula 4 and the Formula Regional European Championship, as well as his place in Audi’s Formula 1 driver development programme. Griffiths also underlined Voisin’s steady rise through single-seater racing, including his 2023 GB3 Championship title and the experience he has gained across several categories. He added that Voisin had already impressed during the Berlin Rookie Test the previous year and said the team looked forward to evaluating both drivers during the Madrid Rookie Test.
“We’re pleased to announce Freddie and Callum as our rookie test drivers for Madrid. Freddie has been widely recognized as one of Britain’s most exciting young talents, which he has backed up with recent success in Italian F4 and FRECA, while also earning an F1 development role with Audi, further underlining his credentials. Callum, meanwhile, has impressed throughout his rise through the junior ranks, highlighted by winning the 2023 GB3 Championship and continuing to build experience across multiple categories. He also showed well during his previous Formula E outing at last year’s Berlin Rookie Test, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do with us during the Madrid Rookie Test.”
Griffiths outlines importance of rookie test for Andretti’s development work
Griffiths also emphasised the importance of the rookie test for the team’s development programme. He explained that the session represented the only in-season testing opportunity available to Andretti as a customer team, which made it essential to run strong and capable drivers. While outright lap time remained a useful benchmark, Griffiths said the team focused primarily on how drivers worked with engineers, how clearly they debriefed the car and how quickly they adapted to the technical complexity of Formula E machinery. The test also played a key role in improving simulator correlation, something he described as vital for the team’s long-term development across the season.
“The rookie test is hugely important for us as it’s effectively the only in-season test day we get as a customer team, so running high-quality drivers is essential. While a quick lap time is always nice to have, we’re looking at how drivers work and react in a highly professional motorsport environment with our engineers, how they debrief the car and how quickly they adapt to the complexity of a Formula E car. It also provides crucial time for further improvement and correlation of our simulator, which is instrumental in long-term development throughout the season.”
Andretti highlights commitment to young talent with Slater and Voisin rookie test lineup
The Team Principal added that the lineup with Slater and Voisin reflected Andretti’s broader commitment to supporting emerging talent and introducing young drivers to the unique challenges of Formula E. Griffiths noted that giving drivers early exposure to the championship helped them better understand the category, which could influence their future career paths. Although many young drivers initially targeted Formula 1, he suggested that experiencing Formula E at this level could encourage them to view it as a serious option for their future in motorsport.
“Ultimately, this lineup reflects our wider commitment to developing future talent and showcasing Formula E to young drivers. Giving them early exposure to the challenges and complexities of the Championship allows them to properly understand what Formula E offers. While many drivers initially have their sights set on Formula 1, experiencing Formula E at this level may encourage them to consider it as a future destination for their careers.”
Slater looks ahead to first Formula E experience with Andretti in Madrid
Slater expressed his excitement ahead of the Madrid rookie test, where he prepared to drive Formula E machinery for the first time. The British driver said he had long looked forward to the opportunity to experience an all-electric race car and described the outing as an important moment in his career. Slater also highlighted the significance of working with Andretti, noting the team’s historic status in global motorsport, and said he looked forward to starting work with the team at Jarama.
“Obviously, I’m very excited to get my first taste of Formula E machinery. It’s been something I’ve been looking forward to for a while now, having always wanted the opportunity to drive an all-electric racecar. The Andretti name is incredibly iconic in motorsports, so having the opportunity to work with such a historic and successful organization means a lot. I just can’t wait to get started.”
Voisin eager to build on previous Formula E experience at Madrid rookie test
Voisin expressed his excitement ahead of the Madrid rookie test as he prepared for his first outing with Andretti Formula E. The British-Swiss driver said he looked forward to working with the team and to driving at the Circuito del Jarama for the first time. Voisin also reflected on his positive experience during the Berlin Rookie Test the previous year and said he hoped to build on what he described as a fun and different challenge compared to the categories he usually competes in. Thanking the team for the opportunity as his excitement for the Rookie test climbed.
“I’m very excited to be joining Andretti Formula E for this year’s rookie test. It will be my first time driving with Andretti and at the Jarama Circuit in Madrid, so I’m very much looking forward to the opportunity. I had a positive test last year at the Berlin Rookie Test, so I can’t wait to build on what’s been a fun and different experience to what I’m used to. I can’t thank Andretti enough for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get going.”
