In the ever-evolving world of motorsport, Formula E has etched a unique mark in its nine seasons of existence. Launched by the FIA in 2014, Formula E set out with an ambitious goal – to captivate a younger audience and spotlight the promise of battery-powered vehicles. Nearly a decade in, the all-electric series has not only achieved widespread recognition but has witnessed extraordinary growth and development.
An Ambitious Start
The conception of Formula E traces back to 2011, a shared vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. It was a bold move at a time when electric cars were often dismissed either as novelties for the environmentally inclined or the dreams of visionaries. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” recalls Lucas di Grassi, the driver who clinched the championship in the series' third season.
The debut season brought together 10 teams, each handed a Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. This uniformity underscored the series’ commitment to leveling the playing field and showcasing the prowess of electric mobility. Noteworthy contributions came from engineering giants like McLaren and Williams, who were instrumental in developing the initial car motors and batteries.
Evolution of Technology and Competition
The first-generation Formula E cars had a top speed of 140mph, a limit that necessitated mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. This changed significantly with the arrival of the second-generation cars, which not only saw speeds increase to 173mph but also did away with the car swaps. The current 'gen 3' cars have pushed these boundaries even further, racing at speeds up to 200mph.
“Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” asserts di Grassi. The continual advancements have not only thrilled fans but also attracted major manufacturers. Over the years, the diversity of winners has been staggering, with eight different champions in nine seasons.
Manufacturer Involvement and Strategic Exits
British manufacturer Jaguar made a triumphant return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus, reaffirming the sporting allure of Formula E. Not far behind, Mercedes-EQ made waves by securing back-to-back driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, the landscape of participating teams is constantly shifting. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, after making significant impacts, exited by the 2022-23 campaign. In a strategic move, McLaren Racing acquired the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal, ensuring their continued presence in the electric racing arena.
Porsche, another stalwart of motorsport, committed to Formula E five years ago and plans to stay 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,” explains Jeff Dodds.
A Vision for the Future
The 'gen 4' upgrade, already in development for season 13 and beyond, promises further innovations and sustainability improvements. Zak Brown highlights the importance of sustainability and performance in maintaining the sport’s allure and relevance: “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.”
Challenges and Broadcast Strategies
Despite its growth, Formula E faces distinct 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,” remarks Brown. The accessibility of broadcasts remains a pertinent issue, as Dodds emphasizes: “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.”
However, the underlying potential of Formula E is undeniable. Di Grassi remarks, “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 Formula E prepares to conclude its landmark 10th season with an electrifying double-header in London, the series stands as a testament to innovation, sustainability, and the indomitable spirit of motorsport. The tagline at its launch, "Drive The Future," has indeed come to symbolize the exhilarating journey of Formula E – from an ambitious concept to a hallmark of modern racing.