Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has evolved into a formidable force in the world of motorsports. This electric racing series, launched under the auspices of the FIA, was conceived to engage a younger audience and bring attention to the capabilities of battery-powered vehicles. The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the concept for Formula E was born in 2011, and by its debut season, it showcased 10 teams competing with Spark-Renault SRT 01E cars, featuring motors and batteries developed by industry giants McLaren and Williams.
In its early years, the first-generation Formula E cars boasted top speeds of 140mph but were constrained by battery life, necessitating mid-race car swaps. However, as technology advanced, the second-generation cars eliminated this requirement while increasing top speeds to 173mph. The current 'gen 3' vehicles push the envelope even further, racing at speeds up to 200mph, heralding a new era of competitiveness and excitement in electric racing.
A Legacy of Competitive Excellence
Over nine seasons, Formula E has not only grown in terms of speed and technology but has also attracted big names in the automotive industry. British manufacturer Jaguar, for example, made a significant return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. More recently, Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles before their unexpected departure after the 2022-23 campaign. Their exit paved the way for McLaren Racing to acquire the world champions, signaling a new chapter in the storied competition.
As with any dynamic sport, Formula E has seen its share of entrants and exits. Audi and BMW, alongside Mercedes, stepped back from the competition by the 2022-23 season. Despite these departures, the series remains resilient. Long-term commitments from manufacturers like Porsche, which pledged involvement through 2030, highlight the sustained interest and potential future growth of the championship. Currently, the 'gen 4' upgrade is under development, slated to debut in season 13 and beyond, promising even more innovations and advancements in electric racing technology.
Perception and Popularity
Reflecting on the growth of Formula E, Lucas di Grassi noted, "Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists." Today, the perception has dramatically shifted, with electric vehicles becoming a mainstream focus in both transportation and motorsports. Di Grassi further emphasized the importance of the sport's image, stating, "Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport."
Despite the remarkable strides made, challenges remain in expanding the fanbase and increasing visibility. "Definitely more free-to-air. Right now, the fanbase isn't big enough… Trend fans are not going to stumble across it. That's what it needs to work on," commented Zak Brown. Jeff Dodds echoed this sentiment, pointing out, "You don't want anybody in any of our prime markets asking the question, 'where can I watch it?' That's a pretty bad outcome for a sport. So that's a problem that we have to solve in a long-term way."
A Sustainable Future in Motorsport
Embeded within Formula E's narrative is a commitment to sustainability. As Zak Brown highlighted, "Sustainability was a big factor. We take that very seriously. F1 is really big in America but IndyCar gives us icing on the cake. Sustainability, doing great in F1, very important to us; Formula E gives us another icing on the cake." This vision is well reflected in the manufacturers' strategies, with companies like Porsche seamlessly aligning their electric vehicle production with their participation in the electric racing championship. As Jeff Dodds put it, "If racing is in your DNA, like Porsche, and you're going to be producing only electric cars, then it's perfectly logical to race in a world championship that's electric."
As Formula E gears up for its milestone 10th season, culminating in a double-header in London, the championship stands as a testament to the growing momentum behind electric racing. Lucas di Grassi encapsulated this journey aptly: "The championship was a start-up; now it's a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series that still has a lot to improve but has grown massively from the start."
In every twist and turn, Formula E continues to redefine the possibilities of motorsport, fostering innovation while championing sustainability and technological advancement. The series' evolution underscores its pivotal role in paving the way for the future of racing.