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With motorsport flowing through its veins and racing spirit embedded in its DNA, Maserati, the first Italian brand to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship circuits, renews its return to the track, celebrating its sporting heritage, the high performance of its cars, and an undeniable innovative attitude linked to electrification. At the wheel of the fastest, lightest, and most powerful single-seaters ever, are the two talents from Maserati MSG Racing, Maximilian Günther and Jehan Daruvala, whom ICON caught up with on the starting grid of the Monaco E-Prix. From the track to the road, the commitment of the Trident brand towards electric mobility speeds ahead with Folgore, the full electric range including the Maserati GranTurismo, which we feature as the protagonist of a manifesto of elegance and innovation.
Jehan Daruvala
It’s really true when they say that passions from early childhood follow us throughout life. It seems like seeing little Jehan Daruvala (1998) glued to the TV (just like his teammate Max Günther), who recalls that from the age of six years old he didn’t miss “not even one race. Honestly,” he confides, “I have always dreamed of becoming a professional driver. I started karting at the age of ten in India, in the national championship, and I immediately fell in love with this sport. Since then, I have never had a plan B: being a driver had to be my profession.” Many experiences and now Formula E. Sensations, emotions, prospects? “As a rookie in Formula E, it’s an enormous privilege to be part of a luxury brand like Maserati. My goal for the rest of the season is to continue improving and earning points. Achieving this already exceeds my initial expectations – as does qualifying in the top 5 – considering how difficult this category is for rookies.” Free time is a topic that reveals surprising aspects about champions: “My free time,” says Daruvala, “I usually dedicate to family and friends.” So far, everything is normal. But then he surprises; “when I return to India, I love playing cards with my grandparents, whom I see too little due to my commitments.” And he concludes, “I also like padel, tennis, and cricket.” The (pleasant, really) surprises continue when asked about fashion and style icons: “Honestly, I’m a simple guy when it comes to fashion: if the colours of my clothes match well, that’s enough for me to leave the house happy.” The future? “My plan is to stay in Formula E as long as possible. It’s so exciting that I want to compete for the world title.”
Max Günther
Maximilian Günther entered the world of cars and competitions by following a path that, at least initially, many of us have taken: “I started watching F1 on TV with my father. I was 4 years old.” This is where the similarities end, as he recalls, “I started racing two years later. It was love at first sight and from there I began to nurture the dream of becoming a professional driver. It’s incredible to have achieved it.” In Formula E since 2018, he has been with Maserati MSG Racing since 2022. “It’s a privilege to race for a brand with such an important history, in the era of electric cars. The last year and a half,” he continues, “has been a fantastic journey in which we have built something very important together. In the second part of last season, the first podiums arrived, and this year we are continuing that trend. We are fast and very consistent. We want to fight for the biggest goal.” A full-time athlete – “sport is part of my lifestyle” – he confesses that to unwind, he has found the perfect solution in golf and tennis. Athletic, with a gourmand side and a private life he values greatly: “I also love cooking (and eating) healthy food, and I certainly don’t forget my family.” Tell me about your style and those who impress you most among today’s champions: “I love fashion and, among athletes, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton: they are authentic, with very personal styles. I also like Leclerc’s taste. But everyone should find the way of dressing that best suits their personality.” The future? “I’m 26 years old, I see myself racing for another 15 years, I hope. I want to continue driving at the highest possible level.” Dreams in the drawer? “The 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona.”