Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has grown exponentially, captivating a younger, environmentally-conscious audience and highlighting the capabilities of battery-powered vehicles. Launched by the FIA, this groundbreaking motorsport series has completed nine successful seasons, evolving dramatically from its humble beginnings.
A Shared Vision
The vision of Formula E started in 2011 with Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. The duo aimed to create a racing series that would not only highlight electric vehicle technology but also promote sustainability in motorsports. Speaking to the enthusiasm surrounding the sport, Lucas di Grassi commented, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.”
The Evolution of the Cars
The debut season featured 10 teams, all racing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. This first-generation car had a top speed of 140mph and required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. Notable contributions from McLaren and Williams helped in the development of the car's motors and batteries.
As the series progressed, significant improvements were made. The second-generation cars reached speeds of up to 173mph, and importantly, eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps. The current 'gen 3' cars now boast racing speeds up to 200mph, showcasing the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology.
A Growing Presence
British manufacturer Jaguar made a noteworthy return to competitive racing in the third season after a 12-year hiatus. More recently, Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles. However, the 2022-23 season saw significant changes, with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exiting the series. McLaren Racing stepped in to acquire the world champions post-Mercedes' withdrawal.
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing's CEO, expressed the importance of sustainability in their decision, “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.”
Porsche's Commitment
Porsche, another heavyweight in the automotive industry, committed to Formula E five years ago and has announced plans to stay through 2030. Jeff Dodds of Porsche 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.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its successes, Formula E faces challenges, particularly in expanding its fanbase. Zak Brown emphasized the need for greater visibility, “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, highlighting the importance of accessibility, “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 championship has transitioned from a start-up to a consolidated, multi-continent series featuring a host of international manufacturers. Lucas di Grassi reflected on this journey, stating, “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.”
Looking Ahead
Currently, Formula E is preparing to wrap up its 10th season with an exciting double-header in London. Meanwhile, the 'gen 4' upgrade, slated for season 13 and beyond, is already in development, promising even more technological advancements and competitive racing in the future. Formula E continues to evolve, attracting interest from major automotive brands and racing enthusiasts worldwide, fortifying its position as a pioneering force in electric motorsports.