Formula E: A Decade of Electrifying Innovation and Competition
Since its inception by the FIA in 2014, Formula E has evolved from a novel idea into a pioneering force in motorsport. The vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt materialized in 2011, aiming to capture the imagination of a younger audience and spotlight the potential of battery-powered vehicles. Nine seasons later, the championship has completed its 10th season, culminating in a thrilling double-header in London.
Lucas di Grassi, a prominent figure in Formula E, reminisces about the early days of electric vehicles. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” Di Grassi's reflection underscores the radical shift in perception that has occurred since the advent of Formula E.
The debut season featured ten teams, all wielding the Spark-Renault SRT 01E. This car was a collaborative creation, with motors and batteries developed by industry giants McLaren and Williams. Despite their relatively modest top speed of 140mph and the necessity for mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations, these first-generation cars laid a solid foundation for future development.
Pushing the boundaries of electric racing, the second-generation cars reached speeds of up to 173mph and introduced new battery technology that eliminated the need for mid-race swaps. Today, the ‘gen 3’ cars continue to break limits, achieving top speeds of 200mph.
One notable storyline in the history of Formula E is the return of the British manufacturer Jaguar in season three after a 12-year hiatus. Their re-entry marked a significant milestone, bolstering the series' reputation as a competitive and innovative platform.
Mercedes-EQ's dominance in recent years, clinching both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, highlighted the competitive nature of the grid. However, the exit of major players like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes by the 2022-23 campaign signaled a period of transition. McLaren Racing's acquisition of the reigning world champions ensured continuity and added another layer of prestige to the sport.
Despite these exits, other manufacturers have shown unwavering commitment. Porsche, for instance, joined the fold five years ago and has pledged to stay with the championship 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.
Looking at Formula E's broader impact, sustainability has been a cornerstone of its ethos. Zak Brown emphasized, “Sustainability was a big factor. We take that very seriously... Sustainability, doing great in F1, very important to us; Formula E gives us another icing on the cake.” This commitment to environmental stewardship continues to resonate as the motorsport industry grapples with its carbon footprint.
The viewership experience, however, remains an area ripe for improvement. Zak Brown notes, “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.” Echoing this sentiment, Jeff Dodds added, “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.” Ensuring accessibility and growing the fanbase are pivotal challenges that the championship must address moving forward.
As Formula E gears up for the ‘gen 4’ upgrade slated for its 13th season and beyond, the series stands as a testament to rapid technological advancement and fierce competition. “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,” reflected Lucas di Grassi.
With a decade under its belt, Formula E continues to redefine what is possible in the world of motorsport, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a relentless competitive spirit.