Andretti's Second-Seat Curse: Is Felipe Drugovich Next?

The Andretti Conundrum: Unlocking Felipe Drugovich's Potential in Formula E

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a fractured, multi-perspective scene of a Formula E race, conceptually representing the challenges faced by Andretti's second-seat drivers.The Andretti team's struggles to nurture its second-seat drivers are illustrated through a cubist, fragmented depiction of the chaotic nature of Formula E racing.Today in Miami

The world of Formula E is abuzz with speculation as rookie Felipe Drugovich struggles to find success within the Andretti team, echoing the challenges faced by previous second-seat drivers. Despite an impressive debut with Mahindra, Drugovich has failed to score a single point in six races with Andretti, while his rookie counterpart Pepe Marti has already accumulated 19 points. This stark contrast raises questions about Andretti's ability to nurture and support its second-seat drivers, as the team's collective points tally from its second-seat drivers in the last four seasons stands at a meager 142 points compared to 570 points for lead driver Jake Dennis.

Why it matters

The Andretti Conundrum highlights a recurring pattern of struggles for second-seat drivers within the team, suggesting a potential strategic imbalance or systemic issue that has affected multiple promising young talents. This raises questions about Andretti's long-term strategy and its impact on the careers of up-and-coming drivers like Felipe Drugovich.

The details

Despite showing promise, Drugovich has failed to secure a single point in his six races with Andretti, in contrast to his rookie counterpart Pepe Marti who has already accumulated 19 points. This stark contrast raises questions about Andretti's ability to nurture and support its second-seat drivers. Drugovich's talent is undeniable, as evidenced by his FP2 top finish at Jarama and his promising performance in Miami, but a string of unfortunate events, from radiator debris in Jeddah to tire mix-ups at Jarama, has added insult to injury and affected his confidence and results.

  • Drugovich scored six points in his debut weekend with Mahindra in Berlin.
  • Drugovich signed with Andretti's team for the 2026 season.

The players

Felipe Drugovich

A highly anticipated rookie driver who has struggled to find success within the Andretti team, failing to score a single point in six races despite showing promise.

Pepe Marti

Drugovich's rookie counterpart at Andretti, who has already accumulated 19 points in the 2026 season.

Jake Dennis

Andretti's lead driver, who has amassed 570 points in the last four seasons, in contrast to the meager 142 points collected by the team's second-seat drivers during the same period.

Roger Griffiths

Andretti's team principal, who took a bold step by signing rookie Felipe Drugovich, a strategy not seen since Oliver Askew's 2022 campaign.

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What they’re saying

“The statistics paint a concerning picture. In the last four seasons, the collective points tally of Andretti's second-seat drivers, including Drugovich's current drought, stands at a meager 142 points. This starkly contrasts with the 570 points amassed by Jake Dennis, the team's lead driver during the same period.”

— The Analyst

What’s next

The upcoming races at Berlin Tempelhof and Monaco, tracks familiar to Drugovich, could be his turning point. With a two-year contract believed to be in place, he has the security to focus on his performance. However, the clock is ticking, and the pressure will intensify if the points drought continues.

The takeaway

The Andretti Conundrum highlights a recurring pattern of struggles for second-seat drivers within the team, suggesting a potential strategic imbalance or systemic issue that has affected multiple promising young talents. This raises questions about Andretti's long-term strategy and its impact on the careers of up-and-coming drivers like Felipe Drugovich, who has the talent but has been hindered by a string of unfortunate events and mistakes.