A Decade of Formula E: Transforming Electric Racing
Formula E, launched in 2014 under the auspices of the FIA, has wrapped up nine exhilarating seasons, showcasing the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) racing. Conceived in 2011 through the visionary efforts of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the series aimed to enthrall a younger audience and place a spotlight on battery-powered automobiles.
The inaugural season kicked off heroically with 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Integral contributions from McLaren and Williams in developing the initial car motors and batteries set a strong technological foundation for the sport. However, the first-generation vehicles came with certain limitations, including a maximum speed of 140mph and the necessity for mid-race car swaps owing to battery constraints.
Racing aficionados and industry insiders alike have witnessed the dynamic progression of the sport. By the introduction of second-generation cars, the need for mid-race car swaps was eliminated, and the top speed was impressively bumped up to 173mph. The current 'gen 3' cars, showcasing peak racing speeds reaching an exhilarating 200mph, further cement the series' progressive and innovative spirit.
Lucas di Grassi, a prominent figure in the series, reflects on the radical changes and growth of Formula E: “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” He also emphasized the importance of performance in the public's perception, stating, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Season after season, Formula E has drawn significant participants and manufacturers. Notably, the British manufacturer Jaguar marked its return to competitive racing in the series' third season, following a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ also made a formidable impact, securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Despite the exit of titans like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes from the competition by the 2022-23 campaign, McLaren Racing stepped in to acquire the reigning champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
Porsche, another heavyweight in the realm of motor racing, has committed to a long-term involvement in Formula E. Jeff Dodds, reflecting on Porsche’s strategic participation, remarked, “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.” With plans to stay through 2030 and the forthcoming development of the 'gen 4' upgrade for season 13 and beyond, Porsche's dedication underscores the growing significance of Formula E in the automotive and sports domains.
The significance of sustainability within the sport cannot be understated. Zak Brown, commenting on this crucial aspect, said, “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.” This commitment to environmental consciousness is becoming an increasingly pivotal component of the series’ identity.
However, Formula E faces its own set of challenges, particularly in expanding its viewership. As Zak Brown candidly noted, “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, emphasizing, “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.”
Yet, despite such hurdles, the growth of Formula E is undeniable. It may have started as a fledgling entity, as di Grassi reflected, but it has matured into a robust, multi-continent, multi-national, and multi-manufacturer series. "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,” he said.
As Formula E prepares for its tenth season to conclude with a double-header in London, the series stands as a testament to electric racing's potential and appeal. The journey from a series only whispered among enthusiasts to a burgeoning global spectacle outlines a promising roadmap for the future of sustainable, high-speed motor racing.