Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has progressed through nine exhilarating seasons, establishing itself as a premier motorsport series under the aegis of the FIA. The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was envisioned in 2011 with the dual purpose of engaging a younger demographic and showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles.
A Groundbreaking Start
The debut season of Formula E was notable for featuring ten teams, all equipped with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, which boasted technological contributions from automotive giants McLaren and Williams, responsible for the initial car motors and batteries. Despite a modest top speed of 140mph and the necessity for mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations, the first-generation cars laid a solid foundation for the sport.
Evolution and Technological Advancements
As the seasons progressed, so did the technology. Second-generation cars, introduced later, reached top speeds of 173mph and eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps, a significant evolution in the sport’s dynamics. The current 'gen 3' cars, breaking new ground in performance, achieve racing speeds up to 200mph, reflecting the series’ relentless pursuit of technological advancement.
Lucas di Grassi, one of the prominent figures in the sport, commented on its early days: “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” He also underscored the importance of performance in shaping public perception, stating, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Manufacturer Engagement and Departures
The sport has seen significant involvement from numerous prominent manufacturers, including Jaguar, which returned to competitive racing in the third season after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ marked its dominance by securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, the landscape shifted as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes announced their exits from Formula E by the 2022-23 campaign.
This departure opened the door for McLaren Racing, which acquired the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal. Porsche, another stalwart of the automotive world, committed to the championship five years ago and plans to stay through 2030, signaling strong confidence in the future of Formula E. Jeff Dodds encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “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 rapid growth and success, Formula E faces challenges, particularly in expanding its fanbase. As Zak Brown remarked, “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.” The need for accessibility is crucial for the sport's growth, with Jeff Dodds emphasizing, “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.”
Sustainability is another cornerstone of Formula E, aligning with the prevailing ethos of many manufacturers. Zak Brown highlighted its significance: “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.”
A Consolidated Entity
Lucas di Grassi offers a reflective perspective on Formula E’s journey: “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.” Indeed, the series has evolved from a fledgling concept to a formidable entity in the global motorsport arena.
As Formula E prepares to wrap up its 10th season with a much-anticipated double-header in London, it stands at the precipice of further growth and innovation. The 'gen 4' upgrade, set to debut in season 13 and beyond, promises to push the boundaries of what is possible in electric racing, ensuring that Formula E remains at the forefront of both technological and sporting excellence.