Formula E, the brainchild of Alejandro Agag and former FIA president Jean Todt, has just wrapped up its ninth season, evolving dramatically since its inception in 2014. With its roots dating back to 2011, this innovative series has aimed to capture the imagination of a younger audience while showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles on a global stage.
A Vision Realized
From its early days, Formula E set out to challenge preconceived notions about electric cars. Lucas di Grassi reflects on the initial skepticism, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” Yet, through perseverance and innovation, the series has grown from a novice start-up into a well-established, multi-continent racing extravaganza. “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,” di Grassi added.
Expanding Horizons
The debut season of Formula E saw ten teams competing using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, with early technical contributions from automotive giants McLaren and Williams, who developed the car's motors and batteries. These first-generation cars, with a top speed of 140mph, required mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations. Innovation didn’t stop there; the introduction of second-generation cars boosted speeds to 173mph and eliminated the need for car swaps, setting the stage for the current third-generation cars that blaze through tracks at speeds up to 200mph.
Teams and Transitions
British manufacturer Jaguar re-entered competitive racing in the third season after a 12-year hiatus. However, the landscape of teams has shifted over the years. Notable exits include Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, which ceased their Formula E involvement by the 2022-23 campaign. Mercedes-EQ had an impressive run, securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before McLaren Racing stepped in, acquiring the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Porsche has firmly committed to the series with plans stretching through 2030. The 'gen 4' upgrade is already in the works, envisioned for season 13 and beyond. This ongoing innovation highlights the sport’s rapid development and commitment to technological advancements.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growth, Formula E faces challenges, particularly in increasing its viewership. Zak Brown emphasized the need for more accessible broadcasting, stating, “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.” Jeff Dodds echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for better long-term solutions, “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.”
With sustainability at its core, Formula E offers a unique proposition. As Jeff Dodds pointed out, “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.” This sentiment is shared widely among participants, reinforcing Formula E's commitment to a sustainable future.
Zak Brown also highlighted the broader strategic value of Formula E in the context of global motorsport, “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.”
As Formula E gears up to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London, the sport remains a testament to how far electric vehicles have come. The series stands as a beacon for sustainable innovation in motorsports, continually pushing the boundaries of what electric cars can achieve.