Formula E, the FIA's pioneering all-electric racing series, has made significant strides since its inception in 2014. Conceived in 2011 as a collaboration between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the series aimed to captivate a younger audience while spotlighting the potential of battery-powered vehicles.
A Decade of Evolution
The debut season introduced 10 teams, all using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E race car. These initial vehicles, powered by motors and batteries developed by McLaren and Williams, had a top speed of 140 mph. However, the early technology required drivers to swap cars mid-race due to battery limitations. This aspect underscored the infancy of electric propulsion technology at the time. Reflecting on this, Lucas di Grassi remarked, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.”
Transitioning to second-generation cars marked a significant leap in the series, boasting top speeds of 173 mph and eliminating the need for the previously mandatory car swaps. This evolution not only improved the racing experience but also bolstered the sport's credibility. As di Grassi noted, having high-performance cars was critical in shaping public perception of the sport: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
A Growing Competitive Field
The competition within Formula E intensified with the entry and re-entry of major manufacturers. British carmaker Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in the series' third season after a 12-year hiatus. This was a significant moment, showcasing the growing allure of Formula E to traditional racing giants.
The series saw Mercedes-EQ dominate in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team championships. However, the 2022-23 season marked a turning point as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes all exited the championship. This exit opened doors for new teams and opportunities, with McLaren Racing stepping in to acquire the reigning world champions post-Mercedes' withdrawal.
Looking Forward
Porsche, demonstrating a commitment to the electric racing future, joined Formula E five years ago and plans to continue its involvement until at least 2030. This long-term commitment highlights a broader trend within the automotive industry towards sustainability and electric vehicle technology. As Jeff Dodds articulated, “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.”
The development of the 'gen 4' car, set to debut in season 13, promises further advancements in speed and technology, signaling Formula E's relentless push towards innovation and improvement.
The Road Ahead
As Formula E prepares to wrap up its 10th season with a double-header in London, the series reflects on its journey from a startup to a consolidated global championship. Lucas di Grassi encapsulated this transformation, 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.”
Despite this growth, challenges remain, particularly in expanding its fanbase and improving accessibility to broader audiences. Zak Brown emphasized the need for more free-to-air broadcasting options to attract new fans: “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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jeff Dodds pointed out the importance of ensuring that fans can easily view races in key markets: “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 series looks to the future, the combination of technological advancements, strategic team investments, and enhanced viewer engagement strategies will likely drive Formula E to new heights in the world of motorsport. The commitment to sustainability and innovation continues to define its unique place in the global racing landscape.