Formula E, the electric racing series launched by the FIA in 2014, has reached a significant milestone, completing its ninth season and gearing up for its 10th season finale in London. This innovative championship was initially conceived in 2011 through the shared vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. Their goal was to captivate a younger audience and demonstrate the potential of battery-powered vehicles in high-performance racing.
The Journey
The debut season of Formula E featured 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. The development of these initial cars saw contributions from McLaren and Williams, focusing on motors and batteries. The first-generation cars achieved a top speed of 140mph but faced limitations due to battery constraints, necessitating mid-race car swaps.
The evolution of the vehicles has been a cornerstone of Formula E's development. The second-generation cars, introduced in subsequent seasons, improved significantly, boasting a top speed of 173mph and eliminating the need for car swaps. As of now, the current 'gen 3' cars, used by teams, can reach speeds up to 200mph, underscoring the rapid technological advancements within the series.
Teams and Changes
The championship has seen a dynamic mix of teams through the years. British manufacturer Jaguar, for example, returned to competitive racing in Formula E’s third season after a 12-year hiatus. This addition marked a significant milestone, signaling the competitive appeal and growing prestige of the series. Similarly, Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles. However, by the 2022-23 campaign, notable manufacturers like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes had exited the scene, prompting McLaren Racing to step in and acquire the reigning champions following Mercedes' withdrawal. Porsche's commitment to the series, on the other hand, has been steadfast. Having joined five years ago, Porsche has pledged to stay with Formula E through 2030.
Technological Advances
The commitment to continuous improvement is apparent, with a 'gen 4' upgrade already in development for season 13 and beyond. This commitment speaks to the series' dedication to innovation and sustainability. Porsche's Jeff Dodds captures this sentiment, saying, “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.”
Lucas di Grassi also reflects on the growth of Formula E, remarking, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” He adds, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.” His comments highlight the role that vehicle performance plays in shaping public attitudes towards electric racing and vehicles in general.
Broadening Appeal
Formula E has also focused on expanding its reach to a broader audience. Zak Brown emphasizes the importance of accessible viewing, stating, “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 adds, “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.”
A Growing Legacy
Formula E's journey from a start-up concept to a consolidated, multi-continent championship is a testament to its resilience and innovation. “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,” reflects Lucas di Grassi. As the series prepares for its 10th season conclusion, the double-header in London promises to be a fitting finale to a decade of electric racing evolution.