Formula E: A Decade of Electrifying Racing
Formula E, the world's premier all-electric racing series, has revved through nine thrilling seasons since its inception in 2014. Launched by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Formula E had a specific mission: to capture the imagination of a younger audience while spotlighting the potential of battery-powered vehicles.
The concept of Formula E came to life in 2011 as a shared vision between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. The series aimed to shift perceptions of electric vehicles from niche products to mainstream marvels. As Lucas di Grassi noted, "Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists." Fast forward to today, and Formula E has transformed into a significant player on the global motorsport stage.
The debut season featured ten teams, each armed with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. British giants McLaren and Williams lent their expertise in developing the initial car motors and batteries, making it a collaborative effort spearheaded by some of the most renowned names in motorsport. The first-generation cars hit top speeds of 140mph but required mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations.
The evolution of the cars has been nothing short of revolutionary. Second-generation cars emerged with top speeds of 173mph and the crucial innovation of eliminating mid-race car swaps. Current 'gen 3' vehicles push the envelope further, racing at speeds of up to 200mph. These upgrades underscore Lucas di Grassi's assertion: "Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport."
Notably, British manufacturer Jaguar returned to competitive racing in Formula E's third season after a 12-year hiatus. This return highlighted the series' growing reputation and appeal. As teams adapted to the evolving technology and competition, success stories emerged. Mercedes-EQ, for example, secured both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, by the 2022-23 campaign, stalwarts like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes had exited the series, leaving space for new challengers.
McLaren Racing's acquisition of the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal marked a significant shift in the landscape. Meanwhile, Porsche committed to the series five years ago and plans to stay through 2030, showcasing the long-term investment manufacturers are making in electric racing. 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 prepares to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London, the focus remains on growth and sustainability. Zak Brown emphasized the importance of visibility: “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.” Accessibility and increased free-to-air broadcasts are pivotal to expanding its fanbase. Brown added, “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.”
Looking ahead, the 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development for season 13 and beyond. This ongoing innovation is crucial for maintaining the competitive edge and continuing to attract new fans and manufacturers. Lucas di Grassi reflected on the journey by saying, “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 this pioneering series enters its second decade, the commitment to speed, sustainability, and spectator engagement remains stronger than ever. Formula E is not just about racing; it's about leading the charge towards a more sustainable future in motorsport.