South Africa’s Kelvin van der Linde to become first African driver in Formula E

The 2023 Mexico City ePrix, the first meeting of the 2022-23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City from 12-14 January. (Photo: Paulo Maria / Paulo Maria / DPPI via AFP)

By Sarah Hoek

19 Jan 2023

Kelvin van der Linde will make history as the first African driver in Formula E when he steps in as a reserve driver at the Diriyah ePrix next week.

South African racer Kelvin van der Linde will make his Formula E debut in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, next week for rounds two and three of the world championship.

Van der Linde is stepping into the seat of ABT Cupra’s Robin Frijns as the Dutchman recovers from wrist surgery after a crash at the first round in Mexico in the past week. Frijns collided with the Nissan of Norman Nato at turn nine, taking them both out of the race and fracturing his wrist.

Read more in Daily Maverick: “Jake Dennis shines as Formula E kicks off in Mexico City”

“We are in constant contact with [Frijns] and wish him a speedy recovery. Even though everyone in the team misses him a lot, we’re giving him all the time he needs to fully recover from the injury — that’s our absolute priority,” said team boss Thomas Biermaier.

“The task and challenge for [Van der Linde] to start in a World Championship without any testing is of course gigantic, but he is highly motivated, works hard and the whole team will support him without any pressure.”

When Van der Linde takes to the track next week, he will also be making history under the South African flag.

Read more in Daily Maverick: “Formula E confirms inaugural Cape Town e-Prix”

“Being the first African driver in FE is very special and I hope it will help break down more boundaries for future African drivers to achieve the same,” he told Daily Maverick.

While Van der Linde admits that the circumstances of his debut are unfortunate, the 26-year-old says he is ready to take on the challenge.

“Formula E is a championship every driver wants to be a part of because as a sportsperson you want to compare yourself to the best, and therefore it’s a massive opportunity and something I am extremely proud do,” he told Daily Maverick.

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“I think the challenge of doing something completely new is attractive to me — I need to come out of my comfort zone and this gives me a lot of adrenalin.

“Formula E is a FIA World Championship and is recognised worldwide, with a large fanbase. I love the international countries we travel to and eagerly await the Cape Town ePrix.”

Van der Linde wrote on his personal Instagram: “I want to thank everyone at ABT for all the trust and support I have received internally. We have been flat-out since Monday morning trying to learn everything in terms of software, race procedures, car characteristics and series regulations. We have exactly three more working days to be ready for next week.”

Formula E is only the latest in a stellar lineup of achievements for Van der Linde, who started his racing career at the age of eight in karting. At 14, he became the youngest driver ever to compete in a National South African Circuit event in 2011, going on to become South Africa’s youngest national champion at the age of 16 years and 128 days.

In 2013, Van der Linde won the Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup, which paved the way for him to race as a Volkswagen-supported junior driver in the 2014 season. That year, he became the ADAC GT Masters Champion at the age of 18, which earned him a spot as an Audi Factory driver.

In 2017, he helped steer the Audi Sport Team Land to victory at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and in 2021 placed third in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, which his brother Sheldon won in 2022.

Van der Linde got his first taste of Formula E in the 2020 rookie test in Marrakesh and this season has worked with ABT Cupra in simulator preparation.

The Diriyah ePrix will take place with two rounds of all-electric racing on 27 and 28 January. DM

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