The completion of nine thrilling seasons has solidified Formula E's place in the pantheon of global motorsport. Launched by the FIA in 2014, Formula E was conceived as a futuristic blend of sport and sustainability – aiming to captivate a younger audience and highlight battery-powered vehicles. Its roots trace back to 2011, borne out of a shared vision between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt.
The Early Days
In its debut season, Formula E introduced 10 teams to the world, each utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. The initial development saw significant contributions from McLaren and Williams, who provided the motors and batteries for these first-generation cars. With top speeds reaching 140mph, these pioneering vehicles showcased the potential of electric motorsport, although they required mid-race car swaps due to battery life constraints.
Over the years, Formula E has seen advancements that have pushed the boundaries of electric racing. The second-generation cars elevated the sport with a top speed of 173mph and removed the necessity for mid-race swaps. Currently, the 'gen 3' cars push speeds up to 200mph, highlighting the rapid evolution and technical prowess of the series.
Key Moments and Milestones
British manufacturer Jaguar’s return to competitive racing in season three marked a significant milestone after a 12-year hiatus. More recently, the series has accommodated notable factory teams, such as Mercedes-EQ, which secured both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, the landscape is ever-changing; Audi, BMW, and Mercedes all exited Formula E by the 2022-23 campaign. This exodus paved the way for McLaren Racing, who acquired the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal. Porsche, on the other hand, has shown a long-term commitment to the sport, pledging their involvement through at least 2030.
“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” reflects Lucas di Grassi, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of Formula E's inception. He continues, “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.”
The Path Forward
As Formula E heads into its 10th season, plans for a 'gen 4' upgrade are already in motion, anticipated to debut in season 13 and beyond. This ongoing commitment to innovation underscores the championship's dedication to advancing electric vehicle technology and sustainability in motorsport.
“Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” di Grassi notes, articulating the importance of continuous improvement in both performance and public engagement.
Jeff Dodds offers further insight: “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 captures the very essence of Formula E’s allure to manufacturers committed to an electric future.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growth, Formula E faces challenges, particularly in building its fanbase. Zak Brown underscores this point: “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.” He elaborates on the need for greater accessibility, emphasizing, “Sustainability was a big factor. We take that very seriously... Formula E gives us another icing on the cake.”
Dodds concurs, noting the importance of viewership: “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.”
As the series prepares to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London, it stands at a crossroads. With new technological advances on the horizon and a growing roster of committed teams, Formula E is poised for continued evolution and success on the global stage.
From its humble beginnings as an ambitious idea to a renowned world championship, Formula E's journey is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and sustainable racing. The future looks bright for this trailblazing series, as it continues to push the limits of what electric motorsport can achieve.