![](http://formulascout.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/maini.png)
Photo: Mahindra
Formula E will run a rookie-only free practice session at next month’s Jeddah E-Prix, and the first two participants have been named.
The 40-minute session will only feature drivers who are newcomers to FE, and will likely feature several junior single-seater racers.
Envision Racing has decided to put the Super Formula-bound Zak O’Sullivan in one of its cars, while Mahindra will use Kush Maini who was its reserve driver last season.
O’Sullivan, who turns 20 a few days before his FE practice debut, will be part of Kondo Racing’s line-up in SF this year after failing to secure the budget to remain in Formula 2. He came 16th in Formula 1’s primary feeder series in 2024, winning twice but missing the last three rounds as his financial position worsened despite being a Williams junior.
“I’m very excited to be going to Jeddah to test a FE car for the first time,” said the Briton. “It is going to be a new challenge for me. The session itself will provide a good opportunity for me to learn the car and I will also be making sure I spend as much time with the team as possible across the race week, so I absorb as much as I can.”
On his way up the ladder, O’Sullivan was British Formula 4 runner-up, GB3 champion and then FIA Formula 3 Championship runner-up in 2023 before he stepped up to F2.
Maini has claimed one victory and five other podiums from his first two seasons in F2, and he will spend a third season in the championship this year with DAMS.
The 24-year-old Indian drove for Mahindra in FE’s official rookie test last year, and also did several private F1 tests as an Alpine junior. He remains on Alpine’s books for 2025, but has not kept his Mahindra reserve role.
“I’m excited to be back with Mahindra Racing for the rookie practice in Jeddah next month,” said Maini. “I was very impressed with my first experience of FE in Berlin last season, and the new Gen3 Evo car is clearly another step up from that. I’ve been watching closely across the first two races this season and can’t wait to get behind the wheel for myself.
“The team has had a very strong start to the season, with a lot of the hard work from last year coming to fruition. It’ll be great to be back in that environment, and I’m sure with Mahindra’s ongoing support, we can have a productive session and build on the learnings from last year.”