Formula E, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking motorsport series, has just completed its ninth season, a journey that began back in 2014. Conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the championship was launched by the FIA with an ambitious goal: to captivate a younger audience and spotlight battery-powered vehicles. As Formula E prepares to conclude its milestone 10th season with a double-header in London, it’s clear the series has come a long way.
The Genesis of Formula E
The debut season featured 10 teams that all raced with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Key industry players such as McLaren and Williams played a pivotal role in the development of the initial motors and batteries. A unique challenge faced by these first-generation cars was the necessity for mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. Despite these early hurdles, the championship has made significant strides, pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology.
Progression Through the Generations
From its initial cars with a top speed of 140mph to the current 'gen 3' cars racing at up to 200mph, Formula E has consistently raised the bar. The second-generation cars that were introduced eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps, with a top speed that jumped to 173mph. Looking ahead, the 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development, setting high expectations for season 13 and beyond.
A Platform for Legacy Brands
The series has also attracted legendary car brands. British manufacturer Jaguar, for example, made its much-anticipated return to competitive racing in Formula E's third season after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ made a strong impression, securing driver and team titles in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before exiting the championship by the 2022-23 campaign. Audi and BMW also made their mark but have since left the series. In a noteworthy move, McLaren Racing acquired the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal, ensuring that the prestige of traditional motorsport giants remains within the electric racing sphere.
Commitment to the Future
German powerhouse Porsche, which committed to Formula E five years ago, has pledged to remain through at least 2030. This commitment aligns well with Porsche’s broader vision of sustainability and electrification. 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.”
The Road to Acceptance
Lucas di Grassi, a longstanding voice in the championship, succinctly captured the initial skepticism towards electric racing. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” he noted. Today, the narrative has shifted dramatically. Di Grassi reflects on the championship's evolution, stating, “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.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite its success, Formula E faces ongoing challenges. According to Zak Brown, “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.” Brown also emphasized the importance of visibility, particularly on free-to-air channels. “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jeff Dodds pointed out the necessity of making the sport more accessible. “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 Formula E wraps up its 10th season, it stands as both a testament to how far electric vehicle technology has come and an indicator of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The series continues to push the envelope, proving that electric racing is not just viable but can be thrilling, competitive, and forward-looking.