Formula E welcomes NXT Gen Cup as new support series

The NXT Gen Cup will act as a support series at all European rounds this season, including Misano, Berlin, Monaco and the Season 10 finale in London.

Formula E hasn't had a support category since the collapse of the Jaguar I-PACE trophy, which was cancelled following the 2019-2020 season as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

It's not just Formula E that the Swedish-born series will support this year, as the all-electric championship designed for young men and women will also be on the DTM bill at certain events.

Last season was the NXT Gen Cup's inaugural season, becoming a great success in educating and developing young drivers. The 2024 grid will start being announced next week, with the majority of the drivers being under 17 years old.

All drivers in the championship have to be between 15-25 years old and will find themselves behind the wheel of a LRT NXT1 – designed by Lestrup Racing Team. It's effectively an electric MINI Cooper SE road car, weighing 1150kg and capable of producing 180bhp.

The drivers will also have an additional 60bhp when using the push-to-pass feature. The cars are front-wheel drive and have regen when braking. It'll be an exciting addition to the European rounds this season and will offer Formula E fans in attendance even more racing for their money.

In terms of battery, the LRT NXT1 boasts a 30kWh battery and 800 V system. The charging of the batteries will be carried out by ABB E-Mobility, who are the official charging partners of the championship. All-weather semi-slick Hankook tyres will be used.

Twenty drivers will take to the grid in identical cars, making the young series incredibly competitive. Being all-electric, it's the perfect support series for Formula E, so that the World Championship can continue to grow sustainable motorsport and EV technology.

Chance for young stars to 'show their talents'

“We are delighted to welcome the NXT Gen Cup after their hugely successful debut last year," said Formula E co-founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo.

"The addition of an all-electric junior category to the European part of our calendar will further contribute to the essential nurturing of young talent, a key part to our sport and give them the opportunity to race on the same stage as our world-class drivers and teams.”

Becoming a support series for both Formula E and DTM is a great achievement for the NXT Gen Cup, considering that the championship is only entering its second season. It also presents a huge opportunity for the young stars in the category.

"For NXT Gen Cup to go from an idea on paper less than two years ago to racing together with the ABB FIA Formula E and DTM this year is mind-boggling and an inspiring proof on the hard work by everyone involved," said Fredrik Lestrup, series founder of NXT Gen Cup.

“We have together with Formula E and DTM created a spectacular calendar which will provide our junior drivers with a robust foundation to start their racing careers and show their talents to some of the best teams and partners in the world.

"I want to extend a huge thanks to everyone who has made this possible and we are thoroughly motivated to start our most exciting season so far!”

What's the format?

The NXT Gen Cup's format consists of two 20-minute practice sessions – only one will take place at Monaco – a 20-minute qualifying session followed by a 20-minute race.

It will all get underway on 13-14 April at Misano, Italy, subject to FIA approval.