Formula E, the all-electric racing series launched by the FIA in 2014, has journeyed through nine transformative seasons, evolving into a significant force in global motorsport. Conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was born from a vision to captivate a younger audience and spotlight the capabilities of battery-powered vehicles.
“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” said Lucas di Grassi, reflecting on the skepticism that initially surrounded the concept. Indeed, the transition from a fledgling idea to a consolidated, multi-manufacturer series has been nothing short of remarkable.
In its inaugural season, Formula E debuted with ten teams, all of which competed using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Key contributions from McLaren and Williams in developing the initial car's motors and batteries were vital to the series' early success. Despite their pioneering tech, first-generation Formula E cars were limited to a top speed of 140mph and required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints.
The Evolution of Technology
The evolution from the first-generation cars to the current 'gen 3' racers highlights the rapid advancements in the series. The second-generation cars, which boasted a top speed of 173mph, eliminated the need for car swaps, marking a significant leap forward. Today’s 'gen 3' cars have reached racing speeds of up to 200mph, underscoring the technological strides made over a relatively short period.
British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in Formula E’s third season following a 12-year hiatus, adding to the series' growing allure. However, the same period also witnessed the departure of major players like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. By the 2022-23 campaign, these titans had exited the scene, albeit leaving an indelible mark on the championship.
Rising Stars and New Entrants
Despite the departure of these giants, the competitive landscape remains fierce. Mercedes-EQ had an impressive run, securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Following their exit, McLaren Racing stepped in, acquiring the reigning world champions and injecting fresh excitement into the series.
Porsche, having committed to Formula E five years ago, plans to stay through 2030, demonstrating steadfast dedication to the electric racing cause. “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," noted Jeff Dodds, emphasizing the alignment of the brand's future with Formula E’s objectives.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Sustainability remains a core value of Formula E, attracting manufacturers and sponsors who are keen to showcase their commitment to environmentally friendly technologies. “Sustainability was a big factor. We take that very seriously,” said Zak Brown. The series provides a unique platform where eco-consciousness and high-speed racing coexist, a concept increasingly resonant with both fans and participants.
However, the series still faces challenges in expanding its audience. “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,” admitted Brown, candidly addressing the need for broader accessibility. Jeff Dodds echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of visibility: “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 Road Ahead
Lucas di Grassi, reflecting on the series' growth, remarked, “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.” This acknowledgment of the series’ evolution captures its trajectory from humble beginnings to a well-established entity in the motorsport world.
The future promises further advancements with the 'gen 4' upgrade already in development for season 13 and beyond. As Formula E concludes its 10th season with a double-header in London, the series appears poised to continue its upward trajectory, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and an ever-expanding global footprint.