Formula E newcomer Elia Weiss after Rookie Test with Porsche in Berlin: "Definitely a lot of fun"

The 16-year-old Elia Weiss was allowed to drive a Formula E car for the first time last week as part of the rookie test in Berlin. The son of racing driver Claudia Hürtgen took a seat in the works team's number 13 Porsche 99X Electric, which is normally driven by Antonio Felix da Costa. Weiss answered questions from journalists, including those from e-Formula.news, during a media round on Monday.

Elia, how did the offer for the rookie test here with the Porsche works team come about?

I am part of the Motorsport Team Germany, which is supported by Porsche. So I had the opportunity to be in the sim in Weißach as well. And it appears that they like the way I worked with them there and the way that I was in the Sim. And then they asked me if I would like to do a rookie test for them. And of course I said yes, it's a great opportunity.

Your mum is a professional racing driver herself. What did she say to you before this test?

Well, she said, keep the car in one piece (laughs). No, she just said, take as much learning out of it as possible, you know, have a good day. And if you have fun, it'll be good.

You're still at school. What do your classmates say about you?

To be fair, I'm on summer holidays right now, so I haven't seen them. But I think for sure they're probably a bit impressed: I'm at school one week, and the next week I'm driving the rookie test in Formula E. I think it's quite a bit weird for them, but also for me. Yeah, I think they find it cool. I think everyone would find it good.

The third-generation Formula E cars are considered to be one of the most complex racing cars in existence. A big difference to the Formula 4 cars that you normally drive. What was that like for you?

For sure it took some laps getting used to, adjusting a little bit the settings, but also you have to say I don't think they ask us to do crazy things, so I think it's quite on the simple side of what we have to do while driving. But after a few laps it was alright.

How was it getting used to the track surface here at Tempelhof? It's not something you're used to, because it's a special racetrack here in Berlin with a unique surface.

Yes, definitely. So I was also in the sims, so a bit you could practise, but for sure it's not like you have a certain line where there's a lot of grip. That's the main difference I would say.

You are currently driving in Formula 4. What is more stressful for you, a Formula 4 weekend or the rookie test?

I mean it depends: The rookie test is less stressful because it's not a race. But on the other hand, you have quite a bit of acceleration more than in a Formula 4 car, more speed, so you have to focus on all on the sudden. But I wouldn't necessarily say it's more stressful because there's no pressure, basically.

You've never driven a car with this much power before. How does it feel to reach 250 km/h or more on the straights?

It's my very first year in car racing. And if you look at the step from karting last year, it's even bigger than from Formula 4 to Formula E. Yes, it's quite a big step. Especially when we do the launch procedure with 350 kW at the start, it's very, very fast acceleration. It's definitely a lot of fun.

Are there any talks or plans beyond this rookie test?

I think first of all I need to finish my first season in car racing and then we can go from there.

But do you see yourself in Formula E?

Yes, I think so. I really like the series, the strategy, the driving. It's a lot more closer than maybe other series. So I think it's definitely fun to watch and drive as well.