Daniil Kvyat’s Comeback: The Russian Torpedo Strikes Again in Formula E

Guess who’s back? Back again? Kvyat’s back—tell a friend. After years of bouncing between racing series like a lost tourist in a new city, Daniil Kvyat is once again stepping into a single-seater. This time, he’s not in Formula 1, not in IndyCar, not in NASCAR, and certainly not in WEC. Instead, the Russian driver has found his latest racing adventure: Formula E.

Kvyat Joins DS Penske for Rookie Test

Kvyat has reached an agreement with DS Penske to take part in the Formula E rookie test in Jeddah next month. Yes, you read that right. The man once dubbed the “Russian Torpedo” by Sebastian Vettel is now taking his talents to the all-electric racing world.

On February 13, Kvyat will test Maximilian Günther’s car during a 40-minute session, giving fans a glimpse of whether he still has what it takes to make an impact in single-seater racing. Before then, he’ll get his seat fitted and spend some time in the team’s simulator—because, let’s face it, it has been a while since he’s been in a real formula car.

Kvyat’s Career: A Rollercoaster of Comebacks

Daniil Kvyat’s career has been one of the wildest rides in modern motorsport. From being Red Bull’s golden boy to getting demoted twice and then being dropped altogether, Kvyat has done it all.

• 2014-2015: A promising young driver at Toro Rosso (now RB)
• 2015-2016: Promoted to Red Bull Racing, but…
• 2016: Replaced by Max Verstappen mid-season, making way for the youngest race winner in F1 history
• 2017: Sent back to Toro Rosso before being dropped entirely
• 2019: Surprise return to Toro Rosso, scoring a podium in Germany
• 2020: Dropped from F1 again after AlphaTauri preferred Yuki Tsunoda

Since then, Kvyat has tried everything to stay relevant in motorsport. He flirted with IndyCar, tested for Formula E, tried his luck in NASCAR, dabbled in IMSA, and spent 2023 racing in the World Endurance Championship with Lamborghini—until they decided to pull the plug on their program.

So, what does a driver with nowhere to go do? Test for Formula E, of course.

Can Kvyat Actually Secure a Formula E Seat?

The truth is, Kvyat has been circling Formula E for years like a shark that can’t quite find the right prey.

• 2019: Almost signed with Mahindra, but Toro Rosso called him back
• 2022: Tested in Formula E, but nothing came of it
• 2024: Now testing for DS Penske, hoping to finally get a break

Could this finally be Kvyat’s ticket back to single-seaters? The answer depends on whether DS Penske sees him as a viable long-term option. Formula E isn’t exactly known for welcoming ex-F1 drivers with open arms—ask Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries how hard it is to stay relevant in the series.

Why Kvyat and Formula E Might Actually Work

While some may scoff at ex-F1 drivers trying their luck in Formula E, Kvyat actually makes sense for the series:

• Aggressive Racing Style – Formula E thrives on wheel-to-wheel combat. Kvyat has never been afraid to send it, and his fearless driving could suit the category.
• Experience with Hybrid/Electric Tech – Having raced in Formula 1’s hybrid era and WEC, Kvyat has experience managing energy deployment and battery efficiency—crucial skills in Formula E.
• Redemption Arc – Formula E has given ex-F1 drivers a fresh start. Just look at Jean-Éric Vergne, a two-time champion who reinvented himself after getting dropped by Red Bull’s F1 program. Could Kvyat follow the same path?

Final Thoughts: Is This Kvyat’s Last Chance?

At 29 years old, Kvyat is at a career crossroads. He’s too young to retire, but too old to be a “rookie” anywhere else. Formula E could be his last real shot at staying in top-level motorsport.

The big question is: Will DS Penske actually give him a full-time seat? If Kvyat impresses during his test, he could finally land a permanent drive for the 2026 season. If not? Well, it might be time for him to start looking at TV commentary gigs.

For now, all eyes are on Jeddah. Can the Russian Torpedo finally stick the landing in Formula E? Or will this be another chapter in Kvyat’s never-ending comeback saga?