Opel announce first Formula E test and development driver

Opel has announced Sophia Flörsch as its test and development driver from next season, when it will officially enter Formula E.

The 25-year-old is the first driver in any role to be announced by the German manufacturer and will be officially unveiled in a fortnight at the championship's official Gen4 launch at Paul Ricard.

In Flörsch, Opel has signed a homegrown talent to support the development of its Gen4 project as a full Stellantis-owned factory team.

It is an opportunity for Flörsch to work with a company that holds "125 years of motorsport DNA" and is embarking on a bold step into Formula E.

"Formula E is currently the toughest racing series in the world – and that's exactly where
Opel and I are now competing together," said Flörsch. 

"The fact that a brand with 125 years of motorsport DNA is now taking the step into a world championship is impressive. As a German driver, being part of this factory team is more than a privilege for me. 

"The GEN4 car is a thoroughbred race car: over 800 hp, all-wheel drive, ultra-fast. I can't wait to go into depth with the engineers, understand this car and get the maximum out of it.

"Together, we want to show what true teamwork can do – achieve sporting success and win the hearts of motorsport fans for Opel and Formula E."

Opel pushing young talent forwards

Flörsch's last full campaign in single-seater racing came in Formula 3 two years ago, with the bulk of 2025 spent supporting Algarve Pro Racing in the European Le Mans Series, also as a test and development driver.

According to Opel team principal Jörg Schrott, Flörsch’s signing is a "clear signal" of the outfit's intent to promote young talent in electric racing.

"With Sophia's signing, we at Opel are sending a clear signal for the consistent promotion of young talents in electric motorsport," said Schrott.

"Her precise technical feedback as well as her analytical way of working in the simulator and on the track will play an essential role in the further development of our GEN4 package.

"At the same time, her fresh approach fits perfectly with our OMG! GSE campaign, with which we present the emotional side of our all electric high-performance models.

"We combine targeted talent promotion with high sporting standards and thus strengthen the visibility of a new generation in motorsport that combines sporting performance with public presence."