Formula E, the all-electric street racing championship, has achieved a significant milestone, having completed nine seasons since its inception in 2014. Launched by the FIA with the ambition to capture the fascination of a younger audience and spotlight battery-powered vehicles, the series has evolved into a global phenomenon. The visionaries behind this groundbreaking concept were Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, who conceived the idea back in 2011.
The debut season of Formula E in 2014 featured 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. The inaugural vehicles had contributions from McLaren and Williams, with both companies playing key roles in developing the motors and batteries. The first-generation cars, however, were limited by battery constraints, having a top speed of 140mph and necessitating mid-race car swaps.
Technology Evolution
Since those early days, Formula E has seen significant technological advancements. The introduction of second-generation cars brought a leap forward with top speeds of 173mph and the elimination of the cumbersome mid-race car swaps. Currently, the third-generation cars take to the track with speeds reaching up to 200mph, signaling the rapid progression in electric vehicle technology.
British heritage brand Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in Formula E's third season after a 12-year hiatus. Their resurgence was one of several significant shifts within the sport. Mercedes-EQ etched its name into the history books by securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Despite their success, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exited the championship by the 2022-23 campaign, leaving notable gaps in the competition.
Nonetheless, McLaren Racing stepped in, acquiring the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal. Porsche, showcasing their commitment to the sport, has pledged their involvement for the long haul, aiming to stay through 2030. As expressed by Jeff Dodds, “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 Opportunities
The championship was not without its challenges. Lucas di Grassi, a prominent figure in the sport, reflected on the early skepticism surrounding electric vehicles, stating, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” However, the compelling performance and growing popularity of the cars have shifted public perception. Di Grassi emphasized the importance of having fast and high-performing cars, noting, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Despite the growing success, some challenges remain. Zak Brown pointed out, “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 availability of broadcasts and accessibility of the sport is indeed crucial. “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,” added Dodds.
The Future of Formula E
With its 10th season set to be concluded with a double-header in London, the sport continues to build on its achievements. Development is already underway for the 'gen 4' cars, which are expected to debut in season 13 and further push the boundaries of electric vehicle racing. As Lucas di Grassi aptly summed up, “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.”
Formula E’s journey has been one of continuous evolution and adaptation. After nine thrilling seasons, the series stands as a testament to innovation in motorsport, shifting paradigms, and sustainable racing. The future looks electrifying as the sport gears up for its next chapter.