Johnny Herbert is one of the most experienced racing drivers in the world, having competed in all types of motorsports categories. The latest race car he has added to his list is a Formula E car, and he couldn’t be happier about it.
Johnny Herbert is largely known for his 11-year stint in Formula 1 from 1989 to 2000, but he also dabbled in sports cars during his career in the pinnacle of single-seaters, taking victories in some of the world’s most prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring.
The Briton is a three-time Grand Prix winner in F1, and continued to rack up mileage in racing conditions well after his retirement from an active career in the sport.
After serving time as an F1 steward, as well as a pundit for multiple broadcasters, Herbert now finds himself as a global ambassador for the Lola Formula E outfit, and was lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one of the electric single-seaters during a shakedown at Abingdon Airfield.
Akin to how F1 is experiencing a new era of regulations, Formula E has also welcomed in a new generation of cars, labelled Gen4.
In an interview with Talksport at the Formula E Miami E-Prix, the former F1 driver was asked how his experience in the electric racing category compares with his generation of F1 cars.
He said, “A Formula 1 car in 1995, they were 800 horsepower, probably something like 750, 800 horsepower. So it was pretty, pretty rapid.
“But then getting one of these electric Gen4 cars, four-wheel drive. My god, the acceleration is so, so, so quick.
“I remember my first Formula 1 test, and when I put my foot on the throttle and went through the gears, it put a massive smile on my face. And that’s the first time since then that I’ve had that feeling.
“It’s brilliant, because the tingles you get through the tips of your fingers, the tips of your toes, and the connection you have with a car, it’s so, so exciting.
“Visually, it’s fantastic being in the cockpit, but actually, I think with the grip level they’re gonna have, especially in the slow corners, I think you’re gonna see that there’s gonna be a visual difference in the speed that they’re going to be able to take the corners.”
Herbert is the latest in a long list of former F1 drivers who have swapped combustion/hybrid engines for the 100% electrical power of Formula E in the past.
In fact, seven of the 10 drivers to have won a title in Formula E have raced in F1 at some point or another, which showcases the incredible talent that is on offer during E-Prixs.
As of the time of writing, 2021 Formula E world champion Nyck de Vries is the only driver who has made the switch the other way.
After winning the title with Mercedes, the Dutchman got the call-up to race for AlphaTauri in 2023.
Unfortunately, he lasted just 10 races in F1 before being replaced by Daniel Ricciardo following a subpar start to the season.
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