Nick Cassidy, the current Formula E championship leader, is receiving praise from a Formula 1 driver who is now openly seeking his advice.
The 2025–2026 Formula E Season 12 has started in the best possible way for Nick Cassidy. A third place and a victory in the first two races have put the Citroën driver at the top of the standings, and his performances have certainly not gone unnoticed by the Formula 1 paddock. Compliments have arrived from an F1 driver, along with a clear request for advice.
The driver in question is Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls representative in his second full season in Formula 1 and fellow New Zealander. The paths of the two drivers crossed only briefly back in 2021, during a short stint in the DTM. More specifically, this happened at the Norisring, the final round of that season. That year, Red Bull made its debut in the series in partnership with AF Corse. Lawson was fighting for the championship, while Cassidy, already racing in Formula E with Envision, stepped in to replace Alex Albon, who was busy with reserve driver duties in Formula 1.
Lawson ultimately lost the DTM title in circumstances that sparked debate, while Cassidy secured his seat for 2022 thanks to a retirement and a fifth-place finish. That experience, which marked the first and only time they were team-mates, went beyond the results alone. The two drivers have known each other for a long time, dating back to when Lawson began his motorsport career more than ten years ago. Cassidy has always spoken highly of his compatriot and also supported him during the difficult period following his demotion within the Red Bull system. This time, however, the roles have been reversed, with Lawson offering praise and congratulations to the Citroën driver.
“I watched his race while I was still in New Zealand, in Mexico City. He’s doing a really great job,” said the Racing Bulls driver to talkSPORT during the Red Bull team presentation and the announcement of the partnership with Ford.
Cassidy is currently enjoying an outstanding run of form, particularly impressive given that he switched teams at the end of last season. Looking at the final races of Season 11 and the opening rounds of Season 12, he has taken four victories and one podium in five E-Prix. If the Stellantis powertrain continues to support him, it is difficult not to see him fighting for the title all the way to the end. Only three drivers in Formula E history have started a season more strongly: Jake Dennis in Season 9, Sébastien Buemi in Season 3, and Lucas di Grassi in Season 2. Dennis went on to win the title, while the other two battled for the championship until the final race.
However, Lawson did not stop at praise alone. The 2026 Formula 1 season will introduce major technical changes, with a particular focus on the power unit and a much greater role for the electric component. The Racing Bulls driver is keen to draw on his compatriot’s expertise, especially given Cassidy’s success in the all-electric category. “Honestly, I think he’s the best at managing energy,” Lawson told talkSPORT again. “He’s someone I’ve spoken to a lot over the past few years, and this year I’ll do it even more. I’ll be asking him for advice.”
The experience of Formula E drivers could therefore become a valuable asset for Formula 1 teams. This is why several F1 outfits have turned to drivers from the electric series, Cassidy included. According to rumors, however, the New Zealander is no longer linked to Red Bull but instead to a rival team. For the record, Cassidy has never been formally part of the Red Bull Formula 1 structure or its junior team. He was, however, a Red Bull-sponsored athlete, although that agreement now appears to have ended, as suggested by the disappearance of Red Bull logos from his Formula E helmet.
Leave a Reply