JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – Formula E is set to electrify the Jeddah Corniche Circuit once again, but this time the competition extends beyond professional drivers. On , following the Jeddah E-Prix races, the series will host its second EVO Sessions event, pitting ten of the world’s most prominent content creators against each other in a high-speed showdown. The event, designed to engage a younger audience, will be live-streamed globally on the Formula E YouTube channel.
The ten influencers, boasting a combined social media reach exceeding 300 million followers, will pilot the GEN3 Evo car – a machine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 1.82 seconds, reportedly 30% faster than a current Formula 1 car. The competition will unfold as a duel-style tournament between two teams: Team Señor Frogs and Team Quickstars. Drivers will compete for the fastest lap times, with rivals eliminated in a series of heats culminating in a winner-takes-all final time trial.
Formula E has partnered with Arcade, the management company behind the popular YouTube group the Sidemen, to facilitate the event and ensure a compelling spectacle for viewers. The initiative underscores Formula E’s commitment to broadening its appeal and connecting with digitally native audiences.
Team Señor Frogs: A UK-Heavy Lineup
Leading the charge for Team Señor Frogs is YouTuber ‘TheBurntChip’, a seasoned motorsport enthusiast with experience in 24-hour karting races. Chip will take on a dual role as both driver and team owner, relying on the strategic guidance of Calfreezy, who will serve as Team Principal. The team’s roster is heavily populated with UK-based online personalities.
Behzinga, a British YouTuber with over four million subscribers and a member of the Sidemen, will compete under the colors of DS Penske. Joining him are WillNE and ArthurTV, a British duo known for their comedic content and dedicated fan bases, who will race under the Mahindra Racing and Envision Racing banners respectively. Completing the Señor Frogs lineup is Izzy Hammond, a YouTuber and presenter with extensive automotive experience, representing Lola Yamaha ABT.
The team’s composition suggests a focus on entertainment value alongside competitive spirit. The established camaraderie between Chip, WillNE, and ArthurTV promises engaging content both on and off the track, while Hammond’s experience behind the wheel adds a layer of technical expertise.
Team Quickstars: A Global Contender
Team Quickstars presents a more internationally diverse lineup, aiming to challenge Señor Frogs’ dominance. Emilia Hartford, a US-based YouTuber with 1.9 million subscribers, will represent the team. She will be joined by Vikkstar, a UK-based YouTuber with a substantial 7.5 million following. Perhaps the most recognizable name on either team is Khaby Lame, the Italian/Senegalese TikTok sensation boasting a massive 12.6 million subscribers.
Rounding out the Quickstars roster are Browney (Netherlands, 11.4 million YouTube subscribers), Max Klymenko (UK, 3.9 million YouTube subscribers), and JUCA (Mexico, 6.2 million YouTube subscribers). This global representation suggests a broader appeal and potentially a wider range of racing styles.
The inclusion of Khaby Lame, known for his silent comedic skits, is a particularly intriguing move. His massive reach and unique brand of entertainment could draw a new demographic to Formula E. The Quickstars team appears to be strategically assembled to maximize both competitive potential and social media engagement.
Beyond the Race: Engaging a New Generation
The EVO Sessions event is more than just a race; it’s a strategic effort to connect with Gen Z and Millennial audiences. By leveraging the influence of popular content creators, Formula E aims to tap into new viewership and build a stronger online community. The duel-style format and elimination rounds are designed to create drama and maintain viewer interest.
The choice of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit as the venue adds to the event’s appeal. The challenging street circuit, already familiar to Formula E fans, provides a visually dynamic backdrop for the competition. The event’s timing, immediately following the Jeddah E-Prix, capitalizes on the existing momentum and media attention surrounding the series.
With a combined social media reach of over 300 million, the ten drivers participating in EVO Sessions have the potential to significantly amplify Formula E’s message. The event represents a bold experiment in sports marketing, blending the excitement of electric motorsport with the power of digital entertainment. The success of EVO Sessions could pave the way for similar initiatives in other racing series, demonstrating the growing importance of influencer marketing in the world of sports.
