Racing in Formula E is more than just a dream come true, says Mahindra Racing driver Sims

MUMBAI: When you think of a world championship racing driver, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Adrenaline seeker, risk-taker, or someone screaming on the team radio during a pulsating race, perhaps?
Mahindra Racing driver Alexander Sims is a slight exception to the norm. While Sims, who races for Mahindra in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, doesn’t mind taking the necessary risks on the track, he says he just can’t scream orders or ‘show his emotions’.
“People have told me that I sound boring on the team radio. Someone actually told me that it seems like I’m half asleep during the race,” he told TOI in a video interview in the week after claiming Mahindra’s first podium of the season, finishing second in the Rome EPrix on April 12.
It was a mixed weekend for the Briton after he crashed out of the first race of the double header weekend on Saturday.
“Even though I crashed out, I knew that the car was good, and we could put up a great fight on Sunday, which we did. Credit to the whole team. You can see that it’s just not going to be a one-off. We won on pace and merit and I think we are just about as strong as any of the other competitors on any given day,” he said.
Though Sims has been a racer for most of his life, competing in Formula E fills him with immense pride and not just because it’s a world championship. It’s because he’s always been a keen campaigner for renewable energy and sustainability. In fact, he was one of the first people in the UK to own an electric car back in 2012.
“Honestly, it all started when my mother installed solar panels in our house. It made me realise how such a simple act can save so much energy and that’s when I became more inclined to use renewable energy,” he said.
“When I first bought an electric car back in 2012, people were skeptical, but I knew I had made a right choice. It was a two-seater car, but it was alright as I didn’t have a family then.”
Sims, who has previously driven for BMW i Andretti Motorsport for two years, winning one race in Saudi Arabia, said that he wanted to, in some way, be a part of Formula E for a long time.
“Back in 2013-14, when the plan for Formula E was being formulated, I had met with Alejandro Agag (founder of Formula E). I told him that I wanted to be a part of this venture, even if it was something like being a coordinator. He was stunned that I had driven to the meeting in an electric sports car. That’s how uncommon an electric car was back then,” Sims said.
So, what are the changes he has made to his lifestyle?
“Recycling products or using recyclable products is just the start. I use mostly non-plastic products like a toothbrush made of bamboo. Basically, trying to cut out plastic. I’ve stopped using shower gel and shampoos that come in plastic bottles. I use soap only, it’s like the holy grail for me. I’ve also turned vegetarian. It’s just the simple stuff that makes a lot of difference,” the 33-year-old said.
Sims is also an ambassador for an eyewear brand that makes spectacles out of recycled plastic got from the ocean, which can then be recycled infinitely.
Being a part of the Mahindra team and more importantly Formula E, Sims says, is living the dream because of the dual benefits.
“It combines everything I love, racing, and protecting our planet in some way.”