Kush Maini, Sam Bird and more: The complete Reserve Driver roster for Formula E Season 12

Formula E Season 12 kicked off with the Sao Paulo E-Prix earlier this month, introducing several new faces and fresh driver-team combinations to the grid. While some rookies have joined the championship this season, a number of experienced drivers have taken on the role of reserve drivers. Whether stepping in for a main driver during emergencies or contributing behind the scenes through simulator work and development, reserve drivers are the backbone every team leans on when the going gets tough.

Meet the Reserve and Development Drivers for Formula E Season 12

Kush Maini
Kush Maini has served as a reserve and development driver for Mahindra Racing for two seasons and continues in the same role this year. He is well-qualified, having topped the 2025 Jeddah Rookie Free Practice and finishing in the top three in both sessions of the 2025 Berlin Rookie Test.

Sam Bird
Sam Bird raced for NEOM McLaren alongside Taylor Barnard last season before the team exited Formula E. This year, he has taken up duties as a race expert behind the camera. He is also the reserve and development driver for Nissan and will step in for Oliver Rowland or Norman Nato if required.

David Beckmann
David Beckmann made his Formula E debut with Cupra Kiro as a full-time driver last season. After a challenging year, he now serves as a reserve driver for both Porsche and Cupra Kiro, the latter using Porsche powertrains. With dual responsibilities, it won’t be surprising if he steps into a race should any of the four drivers across the two teams be unavailable.

Stoffel Vandoorne
Stoffel Vandoorne had a packed schedule last season as a full-time driver for Maserati MSG Racing, where he even secured a race win. Alongside that, he served as Aston Martin’s reserve in Formula 1 and competed in the World Endurance Championship. This season, he becomes a reserve and development driver for Jaguar TCS Racing.

Tom Dillmann
Tom Dillmann joins Vandoorne as Jaguar TCS Racing’s second reserve driver. He is the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category this year.

Oliver Turvey
Oliver Turvey continues as a reserve driver and Sporting Advisor at DS Penske this season, a role he also held last year. He additionally served as a reserve driver for Williams in Formula 1.

Oliver Askew
Oliver Askew continues as Andretti’s reserve and development driver, maintaining the position he held last season.

Reserve and development drivers do more than fill in for full-time drivers, they also gain valuable opportunities to contribute to car development and, when needed, make their mark on the track. For many aspiring racers, it can be the stepping stone to a full-time Formula E seat.

Also Read: Formula E Season 12 full driver line-up: Nick Cassidy joins Citroen Racing, Antonio Felix da Costa takes his place at Jaguar