Formula E, the electric racing series launched by the FIA in 2014, has just completed its ninth season, carving out a unique niche in the world of motorsports. With its roots in a vision shared by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the championship has made remarkable strides toward redefining racing for a younger audience while championing the potential of battery-powered vehicles. Conceived in 2011, the series had ambitious goals from the outset.
At its inception, Formula E featured ten teams, all piloting the Spark-Renault SRT 01E. The initial car's development saw contributions from heavyweights like McLaren and Williams, ensuring top-tier technology was at the forefront. First-generation cars boasted speeds of up to 140mph but were limited by battery constraints, necessitating mid-race car swaps, a unique challenge at the time.
Evolution of the Vehicles
Advancements have been rapid. The second-generation cars eliminated the need for mid-race swaps and could reach 173mph. The latest 'gen 3' cars can now hit racing speeds of up to 200mph, a testament to the technological progress the series has witnessed. The involvement of renowned manufacturers has been a significant factor in this evolution. British manufacturer Jaguar returned to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus, signaling the burgeoning credibility of the series.
Audi, BMW, and Mercedes were also key participants until their exit by the 2022-23 campaign. Notably, Mercedes-EQ secured both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. McLaren Racing subsequently acquired the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal. Meanwhile, Porsche, which committed to the series five years ago, has plans to stay through 2030, underlining the long-term confidence held by legacy brands in the championship’s future.
Challenges and Perceptions
Lucas di Grassi, a notable driver within the series, encapsulated the initial skepticism and subsequent evolution perfectly: “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” He further highlighted the importance of performance for public perception, stating, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
As the series has grown, so have its aspirations. Jeff Dodds emphasized the logical alignment for brands like Porsche, 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.” Such endorsements from key figures lend significant credibility to Formula E’s mission and continuing evolution.
Growth and Sustainability
Formula E has also been recognized for its focus on sustainability. Zak Brown, a prominent figure in the racing world, remarked, “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, challenges remain, particularly in expanding the fanbase. Brown highlighted the necessity for more free-to-air broadcasting 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.” Jeff Dodds echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of accessible viewing: “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
Looking back, the championship's journey from a start-up to a consolidated, multi-continent series is nothing short of impressive. Di Grassi reflected on this transformation: “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.”
With the 'gen 4' upgrade already in development for season 13 and beyond, and Porsche’s commitment through 2030, the future appears bright for Formula E as it concludes its 10th season with a much-anticipated double-header in London.