Formula E, the electric racing series that has captured the imagination of motorsport enthusiasts and environmentally conscious fans alike, has come a long way since its inception. Launched by the FIA in 2014, Formula E has just completed its ninth season and is poised to conclude its 10th with a thrilling double-header in London.
Initially conceived in 2011, the brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E set out with a bold mission: to appeal to a younger audience and shine a spotlight on the potential of battery-powered vehicles. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” recalls Lucas di Grassi, a veteran driver in the series. The early days saw 10 teams compete using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, with crucial technological contributions from McLaren and Williams for the motors and batteries.
First-generation Formula E cars, while innovative, had their limitations. With a top speed of 140 mph, these vehicles required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints, adding a unique strategic element to the races. However, the series didn’t rest on its laurels. The introduction of second-generation cars eliminated the need for car swaps and boosted the top speed to 173 mph, significantly enhancing the racing spectacle.
Today, the 'gen 3' cars can reach racing speeds of up to 200 mph, a testament to the rapid technological advancements in the sport. Yet, the evolution doesn’t stop here; the 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development for season 13 and beyond. Lucas di Grassi underscores the significance of these advancements: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
The competitive landscape has also evolved dramatically. British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus, marking a significant moment for the brand and the sport. Mercedes-EQ emerged as a dominant force, securing driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes have since exited Formula E by the 2022-23 campaign. In a move indicative of the fluid nature of team allegiances in the series, McLaren Racing acquired the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
Porsche’s commitment to the series is noteworthy. Having joined Formula E five years ago, the iconic manufacturer plans to stay through 2030. Jeff Dodds articulates the brand's rationale: “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.”
Despite its growth and the increasing excitement on the track, Formula E continues to face challenges in building a wider fanbase. Zak Brown encapsulates the hurdles: “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.” Enhancing accessibility and visibility remains crucial for the series' long-term success. Jeff Dodds stresses the importance of this: “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.”
Reflecting on the journey so far, di Grassi offers an insightful perspective: “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 continues to mature, its commitment to sustainability and technological innovation positions it as a unique force within the motorsport world.