Canadian driver Robert Wickens, who was involved in an accident at Pocono Raceway in 2018 that left him paralyzed from the waist down, tried his hand at Formula E, where he conducted a test drive with an electric car using only his hands.
Wickens tested the GEN3, the latest generation of electric race cars, ahead of the 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix. The GEN3, according to Formula E, is the fastest, lightest and most sustainable electric car available.
For Wickens, the electric car was specially modified in partnership with SPARK, allowing the Canadian driver to fully control the car using only his hands. The accelerator and brake pedals were placed on the steering wheel.
Wickens completed a full 11 laps and "demonstrated the potential for inclusivity and technological innovation within the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship."
“It was only a few laps, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it left me wanting a lot more. Hopefully this will lead to more opportunities in the future and possibly a rookie test. I think right now, that would be the goal for me, to try and get onto the grid in Formula E for the future,” said the driver.
In 2018, Wickens joined the American IndyCar Series and instantly stunned everyone by winning the Rookie of the Year title at the Indy 500. However, his career was suddenly stopped by a serious accident. However, he did not give up hope for a racing career.