Ferrari has strengthened its Formula 1 simulator programme by signing Sacha Fenestraz from Mercedes, adding an experienced driver to its development operation at Maranello. The 27-year-old French-Argentine racer joined the Scuderia at the beginning of the summer after spending three seasons in a similar role at Mercedes, and has now confirmed that he is expected to complete a test in a real Ferrari F1 car in 2027.
The move initially attracted little attention, with Sacha Fenestraz himself eventually revealing the details. Speaking in an interview with Grande Premio, subsequently highlighted by RacingNews365, the former Formula E driver explained how his new role at Ferrari includes the prospect of participating in the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme. The planned outing would allow him to experience a real Formula 1 car rather than relying exclusively on simulator work.
Ferrari recruits Sacha Fenestraz after three years at Mercedes
Sacha Fenestraz brings considerable experience from international single-seater racing, having competed across several categories in Europe and Japan before securing a full-time Formula E drive.
Born in France and of Argentine heritage, he was once regarded as a promising young talent whose career received partial financial support from the French motorsport federation. His early achievements included winning the Formula Renault Eurocup championship in 2017.
He subsequently competed in European Formula 3 with Carlin and made occasional appearances in GP3 during 2018, before the two categories were brought together under the FIA’s Formula 3 structure.
A move to Japan marked the next important stage of his career. Sacha Fenestraz raced in Japanese Formula 3, winning the championship in 2019, while also gaining experience in Super GT and Super Formula.
His most significant results came in Super Formula, often described as Japan’s equivalent of Formula 1. In 2022, he finished second in the championship, a performance that helped him secure a full-time opportunity with Nissan in Formula E.
From Formula E and Japanese racing to Ferrari’s simulator
Sacha Fenestraz represented Nissan in Formula E during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 world championship seasons. However, his time in the all-electric series did not deliver the success he had enjoyed in Japan.
His best individual race results were two fourth-place finishes, while he ended the 2022-23 championship in 16th position overall. Following his departure from Formula E, he returned to Japanese motorsport, competing again in Super Formula and Super GT.
Alongside his racing activities, Sacha Fenestraz developed another important part of his career as a Formula 1 simulator driver. Having spent three seasons working with Mercedes at Brackley, he has now transferred that experience to Ferrari’s technical operation.
The role places him within the Scuderia’s wider car-development activities, where simulator running forms part of the work carried out away from Grand Prix weekends. Ferrari also uses real-world track testing to support this process, as demonstrated by its previous-car testing programme involving Antonio Fuoco, Dino Beganovic and Rafael Câmara.
Sacha Fenestraz confirms planned Ferrari F1 test in 2027
Discussing his arrival at Maranello, Sacha Fenestraz expressed his enthusiasm for joining one of the most recognisable names in international motorsport. He also revealed that the opportunity to drive a real Ferrari Formula 1 car forms part of his future plans.
“The truth is that working there is a dream, just as being part of such an important brand in the world of motorsport is a dream,” Sacha Fenestraz explained.
“The work is fantastic. It’s a bit like what I was doing with Mercedes at Brackley, except that now I can eat excellent pasta in Italy and drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car in the simulator. On top of that, I could potentially take part in a couple of tests next year, so it’s really a great opportunity. I already know, and they have already confirmed to me, that I will take part in a TPC test in 2027.”
TPC stands for Testing of Previous Cars, a programme that allows Formula 1 teams to conduct running with machinery from earlier seasons, subject to the applicable regulations. The programme provides opportunities for drivers to gain experience behind the wheel of real F1 cars outside official Grand Prix sessions.
For a simulator driver, that experience is particularly valuable because it provides a direct point of reference for how a Formula 1 car behaves on track. Ferrari has previously used this approach during its Mugello testing programme supporting car development, allowing drivers to combine simulator responsibilities with actual track mileage.
Why Ferrari’s TPC test is important for simulator development
Sacha Fenestraz revealed that his first opportunity to drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car could have arrived even earlier, during the period between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix. However, a clash with his racing commitments in Japan prevented the planned outing from taking place.
“I was already supposed to do it during the week, but there was the Super GT race at Autopolis scheduled, so… never mind. It will happen sooner or later and I can’t wait, although the most important thing for Ferrari is that I get into the car to improve my simulator performance.”
He also explained why driving a real Formula 1 car is an important part of preparing for his responsibilities at Maranello.
“All simulator drivers need to do it to gain experience in a real F1 car, and all I can do now is wait for that day.”
The connection between simulator work and real-world driving is particularly relevant to Ferrari’s ongoing technical development. The team continues to refine its current Formula 1 package, with recent SF-26 upgrades targeting aerodynamic performance and stability.
For Sacha Fenestraz, the move represents an opportunity to continue his Formula 1 involvement after three seasons with Mercedes, while drawing on his experience in European single-seaters, Japanese racing and Formula E. Although his Ferrari track debut has been delayed by his existing racing commitments, he has received confirmation of a TPC outing planned for 2027.
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