Oliver Askew Joins Andretti Autosport for 2022 Formula E Season, Bolstering American Presence
In a significant announcement for the upcoming 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season, American sensation Oliver Askew has confirmed his entry into the all-electric racing series. Askew will make his highly anticipated Formula E debut with Andretti Autosport, partnering with the returning Jake Dennis. This move marks a pivotal moment in Askew’s career, transitioning from a strong background in American open-wheel racing to the global stage of electric motorsport, and notably solidifying an American presence on the grid.
The 24-year-old talent steps into the seat previously occupied by Max Guenther, who departed from Andretti following BMW’s decision to withdraw its factory support from the team at the conclusion of the last season. While Andretti Autosport will no longer compete under the official BMW works banner, they are set to continue utilizing the manufacturer’s highly competitive powertrain for the 2022 season. This continuation is in line with Formula E regulations, which stipulate that entries are restricted to a single specification of homologated power units across the 2021 and 2022 championship campaigns, ensuring a degree of stability and technical consistency despite brand transitions.
Oliver Askew’s Journey: From Indy Lights Champion to Formula E Aspirant
Oliver Askew brings a robust and impressive racing pedigree to Formula E. His talent first truly shone through in 2019 when he clinched the prestigious Indy Lights championship title. This victory was not just a win but a dominant display of skill, consistency, and racecraft, securing him a direct pathway to the top tier of American open-wheel racing, IndyCar. His rapid ascent through the Road to Indy ladder showcased a driver with exceptional potential and adaptability.
Following his Indy Lights triumph, Askew graduated to the NTT IndyCar Series in 2020, joining the formidable McLaren SP team. His rookie season in IndyCar was marked by both promise and significant challenges. A heavy crash during the iconic Indianapolis 500 led to him missing two races towards the end of the season as he recovered. Despite these setbacks, Askew demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. He returned to the IndyCar paddock in 2021, undertaking substitute roles for his former team, McLaren SP, as well as for Ed Carpenter Racing and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, proving his enduring value and versatility to various top-tier teams.
Beyond open-wheel, Askew also gained valuable experience in sports car racing, competing in the IMSA series for Andretti Autosport during 2021. This prior engagement with the Andretti organization is a significant factor in his Formula E recruitment, highlighting an already established relationship and mutual trust. Reflecting on this new chapter, Askew expressed his deep connection to the team: “I consider Andretti Autosport family, and to be able to attack this chapter in my career with them means more than words can describe.” This sentiment underscores the cohesive environment Askew is entering, which could be crucial for a successful transition to the unique demands of Formula E.
Representing the United States in Global Electric Racing
One of the most notable aspects of Askew’s Formula E debut is his unique position as the only confirmed driver representing the United States on the 2022 grid. This fact is a source of immense pride for Askew, who stated, “Being the only confirmed driver to represent the United States in Formula E is something I am very proud of.” His presence offers a vital link for American motorsport fans to the rapidly growing electric series, potentially boosting Formula E’s popularity and visibility in North America, a key market for global motorsport. He follows in the footsteps of a select group of American drivers who have previously competed in the series, including Scott Speed, Marco Andretti, and Matthew Brabham, becoming the fourth American to grace the Formula E grid.
Andretti Autosport’s Aspirations and Jake Dennis’s Return
Andretti Autosport has a long and storied history in motorsport, and their involvement in Formula E since its inception underscores their commitment to innovation and future-forward racing. While the official BMW factory partnership has concluded, the team’s continued use of the BMW powertrain signals their intent to remain a competitive force. The powertrain’s performance characteristics are well understood by the team, offering a stable technical platform for their 2022 campaign.
Adding to the team’s strength, Andretti Autosport had already confirmed Jake Dennis’s retention for a second season prior to Formula E’s Berlin finale this year. Dennis enjoyed a stellar rookie season in 2021, demonstrating impressive speed and maturity. His standout performance included a victory and multiple podium finishes, positioning him as a rising star in the championship. His continuity with the team provides a crucial benchmark and a wealth of experience for Askew, fostering a dynamic and potentially highly effective driver pairing. Dennis’s proven ability to extract maximum performance from the package will be invaluable as Andretti aims for consistent strong results.
The Competitive Landscape of the 2022 Formula E Season
With Askew’s signing, the driver market for the 2022 Formula E season is largely settled, leaving only one confirmed vacancy: the second seat at NIO 333 alongside Oliver Turvey. This near-complete grid sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of electric motorsport. Formula E continues to push boundaries in sustainable racing, attracting top manufacturers and drivers to its unique blend of technological innovation, strategic racing, and dramatic street circuit action. The series’ emphasis on energy management, regenerative braking, and intense wheel-to-wheel battles on challenging urban tracks makes it a captivating spectacle for fans worldwide.
The anticipation for the new season will build rapidly as pre-season testing is scheduled to commence next week in Valencia, Spain. This critical testing period allows teams and drivers to fine-tune their cars, adapt to new regulations, and gather crucial data ahead of the championship opener. For Oliver Askew, Valencia will be an essential opportunity to gain mileage, familiarize himself with the unique driving style required for Formula E, and integrate fully with his new team. It will be his first real chance to measure his pace against the established stars of the series and prepare for the challenges of the season.
Formula E Drivers Confirmed for 2022 So Far
The 2022 Formula E grid is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, featuring a mix of seasoned champions, promising young talents, and drivers making their mark from other top-tier categories. The confirmed line-up ensures a high level of competition across the board, with every team vying for supremacy. Below is the comprehensive list of drivers confirmed for the upcoming season, highlighting the exciting pairings and strategic choices made by each manufacturer and privateer outfit.
| Team | Driver | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Andretti | Jake Dennis | Oliver Askew |
| Dragon-Penske | Antonio Giovinazzi | Sergio Sette-Camara |
| DS Techeetah | Jean-Eric Vergne | Antonio Felix da Costa |
| Envision | Nick Cassidy | Robin Frijns |
| Jaguar | Sam Bird | Mitch Evans |
| Mahindra | Oliver Rowland | Alexander Sims |
| Mercedes | Nyck de Vries | Stoffel Vandoorne |
| NIO 333 | Oliver Turvey | TBC |
| Nissan e.Dams | Sebastien Buemi | Max Guenther |
| Porsche | Andre Lotterer | Pascal Wehrlein |
| Venturi | Edoardo Mortara | Lucas di Grassi |
The table above showcases a formidable roster of talent. From former Formula 1 drivers like Antonio Giovinazzi making the switch to electric racing with Dragon-Penske, to established champions like Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa at DS Techeetah, the grid promises intense competition. The return of seasoned veterans such as Lucas di Grassi (Venturi) and Sebastien Buemi (Nissan e.Dams) ensures that experience will battle against youthful exuberance throughout the season. The dynamics of these pairings, particularly how new drivers integrate and challenge the established order, will be a key storyline to follow.
Anticipation Builds for the 2022 Formula E Season
The addition of Oliver Askew to the Andretti Autosport line-up marks an exciting development for Formula E and particularly for motorsport fans in the United States. His proven track record in American junior formulae and his experience in IndyCar and IMSA provide a strong foundation for his foray into electric racing. Coupled with Jake Dennis’s strong performance in his rookie season, Andretti Autosport fields a potent combination of raw speed and developing experience.
As teams head to Valencia for pre-season testing, the focus will be on fine-tuning the BMW powertrain, optimizing strategies, and ensuring Askew’s seamless integration into the Formula E environment. The 2022 season promises to deliver thrilling wheel-to-wheel action on iconic street circuits around the world, continuing Formula E’s mission to combine high-performance racing with sustainable technology. With a largely settled grid and a blend of new and familiar faces, the championship is poised for another memorable year, with Oliver Askew’s debut adding an intriguing new dimension to the global electric racing spectacle.