Sophia Floersch joins Opel in FIA Formula E Test and Development Driver role
- RACERS
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Sophia Flörsch has joined Opel for its new Formula E program, as the manufacturer signed the German racing star as its Test and Development Driver as it enters the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Sophia Flörsch has joined Opel for its new Formula E program, as the manufacturer signed the German racing star as its Test and Development Driver as it enters the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Flörsch will make her first official public appearance with Opel later this month as the manufacturer prepares for the unveiling of Formula E’s next-generation GEN4 cars, in a significant step in both her career and the brand’s expansion into the electric world championship.
The 25-year-old will take part in the official GEN4 presentation on April 21–22 in Le Castellet, where manufacturers and teams will introduce the all-electric series’ newest race machinery. Flörsch is set to drive Opel’s GEN4 car during the event, signalling the start of her active role within the programme.
"Formula E is currently the toughest racing series in the world – and that's exactly where Opel and I are now competing together", Sophia commented. "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," Flörsch added.
"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 team principal Jörg Schrott described the signing as a clear statement of intent as the German manufacturer builds toward Formula E’s next phase in motorsport. According to Schrott, Flörsch’s technical precision and analytical work, both in simulator development and on-track, are expected to play a key role in refining Opel’s GEN4 package.
He added that her arrival aligns closely with Opel’s “OMG! GSE” campaign, which aims to highlight the emotional performance aspect of the company’s all-electric high-performance models while promoting a new generation of drivers in motorsport.
Flörsch’s career began in karting before she transitioned to single-seaters in 2015, quickly gaining attention in the Ginetta Junior Championship, where she became the youngest race winner in series history.
She later progressed through ADAC Formula 4, the European Formula 3 Championship and the Formula Regional European Championship, establishing herself as one of the leading female drivers in junior single-seater racing. During this period, she became the first woman to score points in both German Formula 4 and the FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Her career later expanded into endurance and GT competitions, where she secured an overall podium in the European Le Mans Series, recorded a top-10 finish in class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship and raced in the DTM. These achievements have cemented her status as one of the most recognisable female drivers in international motorsport.
Flörsch has already begun working with Opel behind the scenes, completing initial simulator mileage and visiting the company’s headquarters in Rüsselsheim to integrate with the team ahead of on-track activities.
She will now become fully involved in the development programme, contributing to simulator work, testing preparation and rookie session running as Opel develops its GEN4 Formula E challenger.
The manufacturer has long supported emerging drivers across rallying and circuit racing, including its all-electric junior initiatives such as the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, which has served as a pathway toward the European Junior Rally Championship since 2013.
With the creation of the Opel GSE Formula E Team, that development ladder now extends to world championship level, positioning Flörsch as a potential cadidate for a future race seat. The latest FIA Formula E female driver has been Simona De Silvestro in the 2015-16 season.
