Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has completed an impressive nine seasons, revolutionizing the world of motorsport with its focus on battery-powered vehicles. Conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was not just meant to be a race series but a platform to introduce new technologies and captivate a younger audience.
The inaugural season featured ten teams, all competing with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E cars. McLaren and Williams contributed significantly to the car’s motors and batteries, paving the way for high-performance electric racing. These first-generation cars, which reached top speeds of 140 mph, required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints—a reminder of the early challenges faced by the burgeoning series.
The Path of Evolution
With each season, Formula E has evolved, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. Second-generation cars eliminated the need for car swaps, achieving speeds up to 173 mph. “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” Lucas di Grassi noted, emphasizing the role of technological advancements in attracting fans.
Today, the current 'gen 3' cars can reach racing speeds of up to 200 mph, a testament to the continuous innovation within the series. The sport's growing appeal is evident, with established manufacturers like Jaguar returning to racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus.
A Crest of Competition
The competition has intensified over the years, with Mercedes-EQ delivering dominant performances by securing driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, the ever-changing landscape saw prominent manufacturers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exit by the 2022-23 campaign. This void was quickly filled when McLaren Racing acquired the reigning champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
Formula E has consistently attracted major automotive brands, with Porsche committing to the series five years ago and planning to stay through 2030. “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,” Jeff Dodds said, reflecting Porsche's long-term vision aligned with sustainability.
Sustainability as a Driving Force
Advancing sustainability has been a cornerstone of the series. Zak Brown of McLaren Racing highlighted the significance of this aspect, “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.”
Despite the progress, Formula E officials acknowledge room for improvement, particularly in increasing accessibility to fans. “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,” said Brown. Jeff Dodds echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”
Looking Ahead
As Formula E gears up for its 10th season, set to culminate with a double-header in London, there's a palpable sense of anticipation. The 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development for season 13 and beyond, signaling a commitment to continuous innovation. Reflecting on the series' journey, Lucas di Grassi remarked, “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.”
Formula E’s trajectory from a nascent concept to a major force in motorsport underscores its role in shaping the future of racing. Through relentless innovation, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on engaging new audiences, Formula E is not just keeping pace with traditional motorsport but setting the narrative for the racing world of tomorrow.