Former Mercedes prospect in Formula 1, Paul Aron will make his first appearance in Formula E in May, in Berlin. The 20-year-old Estonian will join Envision Jaguar, the current team champion, which will also feature Joel Eriksson, the current reserve driver with eight starts in E-Prix. Envision is forced to replace their two drivers for the double header at Tempelhof airport due to their prior commitments in the World Endurance Championship. Sebastien Buemi and Robin Frijns will compete in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps for Toyota and BMW, respectively, preventing them from racing on Sunday in Berlin. Envision expressed disappointment with this situation and emphasized the competitiveness of their new drivers.
Aron’s departure from the Mercedes junior program last year, after a four-year affiliation, may prove to be a turning point in his career. Despite being a rookie in Formula 2, Aron currently holds second place in the standings, with three podiums in the first six races. His experience in the category is limited, but he quickly adapted to the changes brought by the new car regulations in 2024. In preparation for his Formula E debut, Aron will replace Jack Aitken as the designated rookie driver for the mandatory rookie training in Misano.
Envision expressed gratitude to Aitken for his understanding, as he could not join the Berlin team due to his commitments as an official Cadillac driver in IMSA, at Laguna Seca. Another rookie driver in the Formula E race in Berlin is Jordan King, former Manor F1 tester. King will replace Nyck de Vries, the 2021 champion, who is also absent due to a conflict in the World Endurance Championship. As a long-time reserve and development driver for Mahindra, King will have a free practice opportunity during the upcoming race weekend in Misano on April 12.