As Formula E closes in on its tenth season with a climactic double-header in London, the electric racing series has come a long way since its inception in 2011. Initially a bold vision shared by Alejandro Agag and former FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E has transformed from a startup into a multifaceted, multi-manufacturer series captivating audiences worldwide.
From Concept to Reality
Officially launched in 2014 by the FIA, Formula E aimed to attract a younger, eco-conscious audience and highlight the future of battery-powered vehicles. Fast forward nine seasons, and the series has undoubtedly evolved, boasting technological advancements and a growing fanbase.
“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” reflected Lucas di Grassi, a veteran driver in the series. However, the early skeptics have been proven wrong as Formula E now stands as a testament to the rapid growth and potential of electric motorsport.
Technical Evolution
The debut season featured ten teams, all equipped with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. McLaren and Williams played pivotal roles in developing the initial car motors and batteries, which had a top speed of 140mph. These first-generation cars required mid-race car swaps due to limited battery capacity.
The innovations did not stop there. The second-generation cars hit the track with speeds up to 173mph, eliminating the need for car swaps and showcasing significant advancements in battery technology. Today's third-generation cars push the limits even further, with racing speeds reaching up to 200mph.
A Competitive Landscape
Season three noted the return of Jaguar to competitive racing after a 12-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone in the series. Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles. However, the 2022-23 campaign saw notable exits from automotive giants Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape.
McLaren Racing seized the opportunity following Mercedes' withdrawal, acquiring the reigning champions and positioning themselves as a formidable force in the series.
Meanwhile, Porsche committed to the long haul, pledging five years ago to stay in Formula E through 2030. "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," said Jeff Dodds, echoing the brand's commitment to the sport.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growth, Formula E faces significant challenges, particularly in expanding its fanbase. "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,” stated Zak Brown, highlighting the need for broader audience engagement.
Jeff Dodds also emphasized the importance of accessible viewing options. “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,” he remarked.
The Road Ahead
The future looks promising with the 'gen 4' upgrade currently in development for season 13 and beyond. As the series continues to innovate and expand, it remains a critical platform for showcasing the potential of electric vehicles in the global motorsport arena.
Reflecting on Formula E's journey, Lucas di Grassi noted, “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.”
As the London double-header approaches, the culmination of a decade of progress and innovation in Formula E promises thrilling races and a celebration of its remarkable evolution.