Kush Maini impressed for Mahindra Racing in the special Rookie Free Practice session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, topping the timesheets with a strong performance.
Formula E is back in Saudi Arabia for the first double-header of the season. Instead of Diriyah, the teams will face off in Jeddah, in a new circuit around the coast of Saudi Arabia.
This race weekend will see the introduction of the Pit Boost, a new mandatory mid-race feature, which will see the cars gain a 10% energy increase (3.8 kWh), through a 30-second 600 kW recharge in the pitlane. However, before the viewers got to see the Formula E drivers take the track, the rookies got their moment to shine.
The Rookie Free Practice in Jeddah was not only a perfect opportunity for young drivers to showcase their abilities in front of teams. It was also a chance for teams to gather valuable data on how their cars perform around the new circuit. The session featured a mix of up-and-coming talent and experienced drivers from other racing disciplines getting their first taste of Formula E machinery.
Green light
The lights went green and the rookies made their way on to the track, ready to showcase what they can do. Two notable drivers were Mikkel Jensen, who was representing Cupra Kiro, and Thomas Preining for TAG Heuer Porsche. Both drivers come from a sports car background, with Jensen making a single-seater comeback after 9 years. Preining, a former DTM-Champion, has already tested with Porsche during the previous Rookie Test in Berlin.
Jamie Chadwick was the first to set a lap, with the three-time W Series champion gaining further experience with the GEN3 Evo machinery after her previous run in the Women’s Test. She dropped a 1:20 flat, and was the first rookie to register a time with full Attack Mode.
Kush Maini briefly made hearts stop as he came close to kissing the wall during the early stages of the session.
Kush Maini finding the limits early on Jeddah 🤏
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) February 13, 2025
Wait for @EdoMortara's reaction 😆#JeddahEPrix pic.twitter.com/KpB2BGnnoC
By the halfway point, all 11 rookies had set times, with Chadwick initially leading the way. However, she was later displaced by Théo Pourchaire for Maserati MSG Racing, with Mahindra’s Maini slotting into third. Pourchaire clocked a time of 1:18.905s. As the session progressed, teams also used the opportunity to trial Pit Boost, which will play a key strategic role in the upcoming races.
Final push for the top spot
As the session neared its conclusion, Mikkel Jensen momentarily went fastest for CUPRA KIRO, with Pourchaire maintaining a strong presence in second. The 2023 Formula 2 champion, along with racer Jensen, had never driven a Formula E car before this session, making their strong performances all the more impressive.
There was a brief misunderstanding between Chadwick and Zak O’Sullivan, as they collided into each other.
Zak O’Sullivan and Jamie Chadwick come together during the final stages of the session #JeddahEPrix pic.twitter.com/sBhaZigPZi
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) February 13, 2025
However, as the chequered flag waved, Maini delivered the fastest lap of the session for Mahindra Racing, securing the top spot. Neither Jensen nor Pourchaire could improve on their times, while Gabriele Minì made a last-minute charge to second place, splitting Maini and Jensen.
With several promising performances in the Jeddah Rookie Free Practice, teams now have valuable insights into potential future signings. For the rookies, this was a rare chance to demonstrate their skills on an international stage.
