The Andretti Formula E team's second-seat curse is a fascinating and perplexing phenomenon that has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. This curse, which has plagued the team's second-seat drivers, including Oliver Askew, Andre Lotterer, Norman Nato, and Nico Mueller, has resulted in a stark contrast in performance compared to their first-seat counterparts. While the first-seat drivers have consistently delivered impressive results, the second-seat drivers have struggled to find their footing, often facing a string of setbacks and poor luck.
Felipe Drugovich, the team's highly touted rookie for the 2025-26 season, has been no exception to this trend. Despite his impressive performance during his debut weekend in Berlin, where he scored six points as a stand-in for Mahindra, Drugovich has failed to replicate that success with Andretti. In his six races so far with the team, he has yet to secure a single point, raising questions about the curse's impact on his performance.
Drugovich's struggles are particularly notable given his extended absence from full racing programs after his Formula 2 title success in 2022. However, it's essential to note that he has not appeared rusty, but rather, his performance has been hindered by a series of unfortunate events and errors. The curse's influence on the team's second-seat drivers is evident in the stark contrast between Drugovich's performance and that of his teammate, Jake Dennis, who has accumulated 570 points across four seasons, averaging nine points per race.
The curse's impact on Drugovich's performance is further highlighted by his mistakes, such as a self-administered shunt in qualifying at Sao Paulo, failing to hit transponder loops in Mexico City, and a collision with Antonio Felix da Costa in Miami, which not only cost him a potential podium finish but also handed the pole position to Nico Mueller. These errors, coupled with poor luck, such as debris in his radiator at Jeddah and the wrong set of tires at Jarama, have contributed to his point-less streak.
Despite the curse's apparent influence, Drugovich remains a talented driver with the pace to challenge for top positions. His performance in FP2 at Jarama and his confident driving in Miami demonstrate his potential. However, the curse's persistence poses a significant challenge for the team, and the pressure on Drugovich to deliver results may start to mount if his barren streak continues into the second half of the campaign.
The Andretti team's senior personnel, including team principal Roger Griffiths, are aware of the curse's impact and are working to address it. Griffiths acknowledges the team's anticipation of Drugovich's performance and believes that with a few more races, he will put it all together. The upcoming races at Berlin Tempelhof and Monaco, where Drugovich has prior experience, offer a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.
In conclusion, the Andretti Formula E team's second-seat curse is a complex and intriguing issue that has affected multiple drivers. While Drugovich's performance has been hindered by the curse, his talent and potential remain evident. The team's efforts to address the curse and provide Drugovich with the support he needs will be crucial in determining whether he can break free from this frustrating anomaly and achieve the milestones he deserves.
