Former Formula 1 driver Kamui Kobayashi will make his Formula E debut for Andretti at next month’s season-opening Hong Kong ePrix.
Kobayashi made 76 Grand Prix starts for Toyota, Sauber and Caterham between 2009 and 2014, taking a podium finish at his home event in 2012.
Kobayashi has since competed in the World Endurance Championship and Super Formula, but will now link up with António Félix da Costa at Andretti for the 2017/18 opener.
“We are very fortunate to have a driver of Kobayashi’s caliber in the No. 27 MS&AD Andretti car to start the season in Hong Kong,” said Andretti Formula E CEO Michael Andretti.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
“He has shown what he can do in both Formula 1 and WEC, making Formula E a perfect next step.”
Added Kobayashi: “First of all, I would like to thank to Michael, the whole Andretti Formula E team and MS&AD insurance for giving me this wonderful opportunity to race at the Hong Kong ePrix.
“Andretti is one of the world most popular racing families and I am so excited to have my Formula E debut race under his name.
“I will be going to the race weekend without testing which is not an easy thing to be honest, but the team has been giving me all the support so no worrying at all and I am really looking forward to having good races there.”
The FIA's initial entry list previously confirmed Tom Blomqvist alongside Félix da Costa, but Kobayashi will now take his place for the season opener.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
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