Formula E: A Decade of Electrifying Motorsport
Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has completed nine seasons, establishing itself as a unique and transformative force in the world of motorsport. The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was conceived in 2011 with the goal of captivating younger audiences and shining a spotlight on battery-powered vehicles.
The series was launched by the FIA, and its debut season showcased 10 teams, all competing with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. A collaborative effort from McLaren and Williams ensured the development of the initial motors and batteries, setting the stage for what has now become a pioneering arena for electric racing technology.
Evolution of Technology
The first-generation Formula E cars, which topped out at speeds of 140mph, required mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations. As the series evolved, so did the technology. The second-generation vehicles reached a peak speed of 173mph and eliminated the need for car swaps, a significant milestone that paralleled the advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology.
Today's 'gen 3' cars are even more formidable, boasting racing speeds of up to 200mph. This relentless push for improvement continues, with a 'gen 4' upgrade already in the pipeline for season 13 and beyond. These advancements are not only critical for competition but also for public perception. As Lucas di Grassi aptly put it, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Big Names and Bigger Stakes
Notable players in the world of traditional motorsports have made their mark in Formula E. British manufacturer Jaguar rejoined competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. Meanwhile, Mercedes-EQ claimed both the driver and team titles consecutively in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, by the 2022-23 campaign, automotive giants like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes had exited the series.
Despite these departures, the allure of Formula E remains strong. McLaren Racing acquired the reigning world champions following Mercedes’ withdrawal, signaling their commitment to the burgeoning electric racing scene. Porsche, similarly, committed to Formula E five years ago and plans to stay through 2030, driven by a vision aligned with their future product lineup. “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,” said Jeff Dodds.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the championship has grown considerably, there are areas that require attention. The sport aims to bolster its fanbase and increase accessibility. Currently, Formula E faces challenges in expanding its reach to casual viewers. As Zak Brown remarked, “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.”
Efforts are underway to ensure the sport becomes more visible and accessible. “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,” added Jeff Dodds.
A Decade Later
A decade into its journey, Formula E has evolved from a startup to a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, and multi-manufacturer series. Lucas di Grassi encapsulated the growth of the championship aptly by stating, “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.”
As Formula E prepares to conclude its 10th season with a thrilling double-header in London, the series continues to push the envelope, redefining what is possible in the world of motorsport and championing sustainability. It remains to be seen what new heights this electrifying series will reach in the years to come.