Formula E has come a long way since its inception, transforming from a visionary concept to a premier racing championship. Launched by the FIA in 2014, the electric racing series aimed to captivate a younger audience and showcase the potential of battery-powered vehicles. The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was conceived in 2011 and has since completed nine thrilling seasons.
The journey began with the debut season featuring 10 teams, all equipped with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Behind the scenes, heavyweights like McLaren and Williams contributed to the development of the initial car’s motors and batteries. Despite the limitations of first-generation cars, which had a top speed of 140mph and required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints, Formula E managed to capture the public’s imagination.
Lucas di Grassi, a prominent figure in Formula E, reflected on the early days, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” This perception has dramatically shifted as technology advanced, leading to second-generation cars boasting top speeds of 173mph and eliminating the need for car swaps. Today, the third-generation cars have pushed the envelope even further, achieving racing speeds up to 200mph.
One of the notable entries was British manufacturer Jaguar, which returned to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. This marked a significant milestone, emphasizing the growing prestige and competitive nature of Formula E.
The Rise and Challenges of Formula E
Despite its successes, the series has faced challenges, particularly with the departure of key manufacturers. Mercedes-EQ, a dominant force, secured both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons but exited the series by the 2022-23 campaign. Their withdrawal was part of a broader exodus that included Audi and BMW. This reshuffling saw McLaren Racing stepping in to acquire the world champions post-Mercedes, signaling a new chapter for the team.
Even as some left, others have doubled down on their commitment. Porsche, which entered Formula E five years ago, has pledged to stay through 2030. Jeff Dodds of Porsche articulated the brand's commitment, “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.”
Technological Advancements and Future Prospects
Formula E's technological evolution hasn't just been about speed but sustainability and perception as well. The championship is preparing for its 10th season, culminating in a double-header in London. As the sport aims to enhance its public perception, Lucas di Grassi highlights the importance of performance, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, notes the significance of sustainability, “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.” However, Brown acknowledges an area needing improvement: audience reach. “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.”
Addressing Viewer Accessibility
Jeff Dodds mirrors this sentiment, stressing the necessity of accessible viewing options, “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 championship matures, addressing these issues will be crucial for its sustained growth and appeal.
From its early days as a startup to becoming a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series, Formula E has undoubtedly grown massively. Yet, as Lucas di Grassi aptly put it, it’s a championship that “still has a lot to improve.”
Looking ahead, the focus is on the 'gen 4' upgrade, currently in development for season 13 and beyond. This next generation promises to push the boundaries of electric racing further, ensuring that Formula E remains at the forefront of innovative and sustainable motorsport.