Sergio Aguero, a Manchester City icon at 36, has decided to swap the soccer pitch for the race track. Brooklyn Beckham, whose passion for fast cars has long outgrown his famous father’s stadium sidelines, is joining him. Together, they’re set to drive in Formula E’s upcoming Evo Sessions at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on March 5 and 6.
They won’t be alone. Nine other celebrities from entertainment and tech will get their own shots in the Gen3 Evo, an electric car so quick it’s said to reach 60 miles per hour in just 1.82 seconds. The difference between professional drivers and rookies could reach 20 or 30 seconds per lap, and Formula E’s CEO Jeff Dodds believes that gap will emphasize how “elite” the real racers are.
From scoring goals to chasing lap times
Aguero’s switch to motorsport might feel surprising, but it fits his lifelong interest in speed and competition. Beckham, reflecting on the opportunity, said, “I’ve loved motorsport all my life, so when the chance came to be a part of Evo Sessions with Formula E, I jumped at it. It’s an incredible opportunity to actually get behind the wheel and experience what it takes to compete at the top level.”
Before track day, all participants will endure six weeks of training. Simulator runs, driver coaching, and engineering briefings await, testing their dedication in a space far removed from old routines. Even so, success won’t come easily. As Dodds explained, Formula E’s drivers are on another level, and the newcomers are expected to share their progress on social media, giving a digital-first audience front-row seats to every misstep and breakthrough.
Formula E has faced hurdles, including financial losses of about $45 million last year. Yet Dodds envisions half a billion fans by 2030 and sees celebrity-driven events as a way to draw younger viewers. Critics worry it might be more spectacle than sport, though it’s tough to ignore the massive reach of influencers whose combined following stands in the hundreds of millions.
No official spectators will attend the Evo Sessions, and a live broadcast won’t exist. Coverage will come from the teams and the celebrities themselves, amplifying personal perspectives over traditional TV angles. The approach is risky, but if the glitz of Beckham, Aguero, and their peers ignites new interest in electric racing, Formula E might speed past its biggest doubts.
