Brookyln Beckham and Sergio Aguero will drive a Formula E car – The series has confirmed further celebrities and influencers for Miami
Formula E is breaking new ground to increase its popularity: In Miami, celebrities and influencers will have the chance to test a Gen3 car. These include former professional footballer Sergio Aguero and David Beckham’s son Brooklyn, who will be allowed to get into the car on March 5th and 6th during the “Evo Sessions” on a short layout of the Miami International Autodrom, the Formula 1 track.
The event is aimed at celebrities and influencers who use their reach to introduce Formula E to a new audience. A total of eleven celebrities will be invited, each of whom will drive for one of the eleven Formula E teams. In addition, preparation with simulator tests, fitness training and driver coaching is planned. The celebrities will also be briefed by the engineers.
David Beckham is one of the most famous professional footballers in history. He played for Manchester United and was one of the key players in the British national team. His son will have the honor of trying out Formula E. Former Manchester City player Aguero from Argentina is also taking part. Other prominent drivers include actor Lucien Laviscount, tech content creator Cleo Abram, presenter and car refiner Emelia Hartford and influencer Vinnie Hacker. Five more stars are yet to be announced.
But what is the vision behind the event? Formula E managing director Jeff Dodds explains: “Our audience is different from traditional motorsport. Many of them grew up in the digital world, so [this event] offers entertainment and behind-the-scenes stories. It shows what it’s like to start from scratch and become a race car driver.”
“They show their followers their journey, what it’s like to learn to drive a race car. This brings a new target group to the sport that has not been addressed so far,” Dodds continues. This is also how Formula E wants to highlight what the actual Formula E drivers have to achieve. “It’s not about detracting from the drivers’ performance, but rather to show how elite these drivers are when these creators understand what it’s like to drive a car like this.”
Formula E expects the celebrities to lose 20 to 30 seconds per lap to the professionals, and that is precisely the goal: it gives the Formula E drivers the special status of professional athletes. It is important to note that the event is not sanctioned by the FIA and is not a competition. In addition, any damage to the teams will not be counted against the maximum budget.
Formula E had actually wanted to hold an official race on this date, but Thailand rejected the series. Instead of finding an alternative, Formula E has now agreed on this additional event. But what do the stars say? Beckham explains: “I love motorsport and when the opportunity arose to be part of the Formula E Evo sessions, I immediately said yes. I love the sport and it’s a great opportunity to get behind the wheel myself and experience what it’s like to race at the highest level of motorsport.”
