Daruvala says goodbye to his Formula 1 dream: 'My future lies in Formula E'
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- GPblog.com
India has to wait longer for Karun Chandhok's successor in Formula 1. The Indian Jehan Daruvala, who will compete in Formula 2 for the Dutch MP Motorsport this season, has actually put an entry into the pinacle of motorsport out of his mind.
Daruvala belonged to the Red Bull Junior Team in the past. In addition, he tested a 2020 McLaren three times last year. For the time being, it seems to be all. “My future lies in Formula E,” says Daruvala (24) to GPblog, among others, in the run-up to the Sao Paulo ePrix next weekend.
No longer at F2
Daruvala has now been appointed by Mahindra's Formula E team as a test and reserve driver. He is also racing in Formula 2 for the fourth consecutive season. “It was a pretty hard decision. Last year this was not the plan (to stay a fourth season in F2). I pretty much had enough, I didn't want to do it. Then I got the chance to join MP. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't a top team. I am here to win.”
So Daruvala gets another chance after a mediocre last season. Despite his win at Monza, he only finished seventh in the championship with the highly rated Prema. “My season did not go as planned last year,” the Indian looks back.
“It was not the best year. That's why I had to look at options outside Formula 1. Formula E was the best option. Mahindra, as an Indian team and me as an Indian, that was the combination that fit best. Being a reserve driver is one thing, of course I want to be in the cockpit quickly. I have to do my best in F2, fight for the title and earn my seat.”
Stay active in Europe
Daruvala wanted to remain active in single seaters, instead of moving to the World Endurance Championship, for example. In that case, Super Formula in Japan, IndyCar and Formula E - outside Formula 1 - are the most appealing classes. “I would like to race in Europe. I know a lot of people here, they know me. If I were to go to Japan or America, everything would be new. In addition, Formula E has a high level in terms of teams and manufacturers, and the drivers are also of a high level. I want to compete with the best drivers in the world and I think in Formula E can do that.”
Formula E will land in Sao Paulo for the first time this week. The ePrix starts on Saturday at 5 p.m. UK time.