Formula E, the pioneering electric car racing series launched by the FIA in 2014, has reached an impressive milestone, having completed nine full seasons. Conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the series aims to captivate a younger, more environmentally-conscious audience and showcase the capabilities of battery-powered vehicles.
A Revolutionary Concept
Lucas di Grassi, a veteran driver in the Formula E circuit, recalls the early days of electric vehicles with a sense of nostalgia. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” he says. Despite initial skepticism, Formula E has proven to be a groundbreaking venture, both in terms of racing and technological advancement.
The debut season saw ten teams competing using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. With substantial contributions from McLaren and Williams towards the development of both the initial car motors and batteries, the first-generation cars reached top speeds of 140mph. However, these early models required mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations.
Technological Advancements and Increased Performance
As technology evolved, so did the cars. The second-generation vehicles, with a top speed of 173mph, eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps. The current 'gen 3' cars now reach racing speeds of up to 200mph, representing a significant leap from their predecessors and cementing Formula E’s reputation for technical innovation.
"Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport," di Grassi explains, highlighting the critical role of technological advancement in gaining public acceptance and enthusiasm.
Track and Team Evolution
Throughout its history, Formula E has seen prominent racing names both enter and exit the series. British manufacturer Jaguar marked its return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles before exiting the series alongside Audi and BMW by the 2022-23 campaign.
McLaren Racing's acquisition of the reigning champions following Mercedes’ exit is a testament to the series' ever-evolving landscape. Meanwhile, Porsche has shown a long-term commitment to Formula E, participating for five years and pledging to continue 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," states Jeff Dodds.
A Growing Platform with Challenges
Despite its rapid growth, Formula E faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of viewership and fanbase. Zak Brown, a prominent figure in motorsport management, points out the importance of accessibility. “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.”
Accessibility and visibility are pivotal issues for the fledgling series. “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,” Dodds remarks, emphasizing the need for strategic solutions to ensure wider audience engagement.
The Future Ahead
The 'gen 4' upgrade, slated for season 13 and beyond, promises to bring even more advancements to the series. As Formula E concludes its tenth season with a double-header in London, the championship's evolution from a start-up concept to a consolidated, multi-national series demonstrates its significant growth and potential for further impact.
Looking back, di Grassi reflects on the journey: “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 continues to innovate and expand, it remains a captivating blend of sportsmanship, technology, and sustainability, driving forward both the future of racing and the future of mobility.