Formula E has emerged as a revolutionary force in motorsport since its inception in 2014, completing nine thrilling seasons. Launched by the FIA, the sport was conceived to engage a younger demographic and underline the potential of battery-powered vehicles, reflecting a vision shared by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt back in 2011.
The first season set the stage for what would become a captivating journey, featuring 10 teams all driving Spark-Renault SRT 01E cars, with McLaren and Williams playing a crucial role in the development of the motors and batteries. These first-generation vehicles had a top speed of 140 mph but required mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations.
The evolution of the cars has been remarkable. Second-generation cars reached speeds of 173 mph, eliminating the necessity for car swaps, and today's 'gen 3' cars boast racing speeds up to 200 mph. This continuous enhancement in technology has significantly changed the public's perception of electric racing. As Lucas di Grassi noted, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Fans and Manufacturers Invested
British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in the third season after a 12-year hiatus. Their comeback underscored the growing credibility and prestige of Formula E within the racing community. Mercedes-EQ demonstrated their dominance by securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, although Audi, BMW, and Mercedes subsequently exited the competition by the 2022-23 campaign, with McLaren Racing stepping in to acquire the reigning champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
Despite these departures, the sport has retained significant commitment from prominent manufacturers. Porsche, for example, pledged its involvement five years ago and has plans to stay through 2030. As Jeff Dodds eloquently put it, “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.”
Rapid Growth and Future Potential
The swift expansion of Formula E from a startup to a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series has not gone unnoticed. “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,” di Grassi observed, highlighting the transformative journey of the sport.
Sustainability has remained at the forefront of the championship's ethos. Zak Brown emphasized this, saying, “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.”
Formula E's sustainability efforts and technological advancements make it more than just a racing spectacle; it is a demonstration of what the future holds for the automotive industry. As electrification becomes central to global automotive strategies, the racing series serves as a high-profile platform for innovation and environmental responsibility.
Challenges and Opportunities
However, the sport faces its own set of challenges, particularly in expanding its fanbase. Zak Brown has pointed out the necessity for broader accessibility, 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.” Similarly, Jeff Dodds emphasized the importance of minimizing barriers to viewership: “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 Formula E gears up to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London, the racing series looks to further cement its place in the annals of motorsport history. The 'gen 4' upgrade, currently in development for season 13 and beyond, promises to propel the sport into new realms of excitement and innovation. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, visionary goals, and competitive racing, Formula E stands poised to redefine the future of motorsports.