The Evolution and Impact of Formula E: From Vision to Reality
In the dynamic world of motorsports, Formula E has carved out a unique niche since its inception. Launched by the FIA in 2014, this innovative racing series has completed nine thrilling seasons, with its ten-season milestone just around the corner. But the journey of Formula E began long before the first electric car sped around the track.
The concept of Formula E was born in 2011, out of a shared vision between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. Their goal was to not only captivate a younger audience but also spotlight the potential of battery-powered vehicles in a sport long dominated by traditional combustion engines. As Lucas di Grassi, a pioneering Formula E driver, recalls, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.”
The debut season set the stage for what would become a rapidly evolving sport. Featuring 10 teams, all racing with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, the series showcased the contributions of industry giants McLaren and Williams, who were instrumental in developing the initial car motors and batteries. Despite the excitement, these first-generation cars had their limitations, with a top speed of 140mph and the necessity of mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints.
However, technological advancements came swiftly. The second-generation cars reached speeds of up to 173mph and did away with the need for car swaps, a significant step toward broader acceptance and credibility. Today, the current 'gen 3' cars boast racing speeds up to 200mph, underscoring the rapid progress in electric vehicle performance. “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” said di Grassi, highlighting the integral role of technological innovation in Formula E's appeal.
The series has also seen its fair share of significant entrants and exits. British manufacturer Jaguar made a triumphant return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. More recently, Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles, only to exit alongside automotive titans Audi and BMW by the 2022-23 campaign. The void left by Mercedes' withdrawal was swiftly filled by McLaren Racing, who acquired the world champions and continued the legacy. Porsche, on the other hand, has committed to the series for the long haul, planning to stay through 2030. As Jeff Dodds reflected, “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 the 'gen 4' upgrade already in development for season 13 and beyond, Formula E is not resting on its laurels. The continuous push for innovation is evident, as is its commitment to sustainability, a core tenet that aligns with the broader shift in the automotive industry. Zak Brown emphasized this aspect, saying, “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.”
Despite its successes, Formula E faces the ongoing challenge of expanding its fanbase. Accessibility remains a crucial issue, as Zak Brown pointed out the need for more free-to-air broadcasts to ensure greater visibility and engagement. “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, articulating the necessity of overcoming broadcast challenges to avoid the disconnect between the sport and its audience: “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.”
Formula E has transformed from a nascent start-up into a consolidated, multi-continent championship that attracts multiple manufacturers and ambitious drivers. As di Grassi summed up, “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.”
With its tenth season finale set for a double-header in London, the future of Formula E promises even more exciting developments, poised to revolutionize the landscape of motorsports further.