In the dynamic world of motorsport, Formula E has emerged as a pioneering force since its launch in 2014. Originating from a shared vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the idea for an all-electric racing championship was first conceived in 2011. The collaboration led to the establishment of Formula E, aimed at attracting a younger audience and showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles.
Lucas di Grassi, a notable driver in the series, reminisced about the early days of electric vehicles, stating, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” Despite initial skepticism, Formula E has grown exponentially, completing nine seasons and preparing to conclude its 10th with a much-anticipated double-header in London.
From its inaugural season featuring 10 teams using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, Formula E has consistently evolved. Notably, the first-generation cars, which required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints, had a top speed of 140mph. This marked the beginning of a journey toward greater performance and innovation.
Technical Progress and Competitiveness
The evolution continued with the introduction of the second-generation cars, eliminating the need for car swaps and boasting a top speed of 173mph. The current 'gen 3' cars, with racing speeds up to 200mph, are a testament to the technical advancements in the series. The progress in speed and efficiency reflects Lucas di Grassi's sentiment: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
The motorsport has also seen significant contributions from renowned manufacturers. The debut car featured motors and batteries developed by McLaren and Williams. British manufacturer Jaguar marked its return to competitive racing after a 12-year hiatus in season three. Meanwhile, Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles before their exit, alongside Audi and BMW, by the 2022-23 campaign. Following Mercedes' withdrawal, McLaren Racing acquired the world champion team, further solidifying its presence in the sport.
The Manufacturer Commitment
Porsche's commitment to Formula E highlights the strategic importance of the championship for electric vehicle producers. As Jeff Dodds noted, “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.” Porsche's involvement, pledged through 2030, underscores the long-term vision shared by major automotive players within the sport.
The upcoming 'gen 4' upgrade, currently in development for season 13 and beyond, promises further enhancements, ensuring that Formula E continues to push the boundaries of electric racing technology.
Challenges and Future Growth
Despite its progress, Formula E faces challenges in expanding its fanbase. Zak Brown emphasized the need for broader accessibility, 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.” Ensuring that audiences in all key markets have easy access to the races is crucial, as echoed by Jeff Dodds: “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.”
The championship has made significant strides from its inception, as Lucas di Grassi reflected, “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.” Indeed, Formula E has transformed into a global platform, pushing the envelope in sustainability and technological innovation within the realm of motorsport.
As Formula E prepares to enter its second decade, the achievements and lessons of the past ten seasons serve as a foundation for continued growth and evolution. The commitment of manufacturers, coupled with the championship’s adaptability, indicates a promising future for this forward-thinking series.