Formula E has reached a significant milestone, concluding its ninth season since its launch in 2014. The series, which was the brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt in 2011, aimed to attract a younger audience and spotlight the potential of battery-powered vehicles. Since then, it has evolved from a budding concept into a highly competitive, multinational series that continues to expand its influence on the motorsport landscape.
Trailblazing Beginnings
The series debuted with 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. In its early stages, Formula E faced challenges typical of any pioneering endeavor. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” reflected driver Lucas di Grassi. Despite the initial skepticism, renowned manufacturers like McLaren and Williams contributed significantly to the development of the initial car motors and batteries. The first-generation cars, while innovative, had a top speed of 140mph and required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints.
Rapid Evolution
The technological advancements in Formula E have been nothing short of remarkable. The introduction of second-generation cars brought a significant boost in performance, with top speeds reaching 173mph and the elimination of mid-race car swaps. The current generation, dubbed 'gen 3,' has further pushed the boundaries, achieving racing speeds up to 200mph. The championship's commitment to innovation continues as the 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development, slated for season 13 and beyond.
Lucas di Grassi emphasized the importance of performance in shaping public perception: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.” This focus on speed and efficiency has enhanced the appeal of Formula E, resonating with racing enthusiasts and manufacturers alike.
Reshaping the Competitive Landscape
The series has seen a dynamic shift in competition with major automotive players like Jaguar returning to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus, and manufacturers such as Mercedes-EQ dominating recent seasons. Mercedes-EQ clinched both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before exiting the series by the 2022-23 campaign. This departure paved the way for McLaren Racing to acquire the reigning champions, further intensifying the competitive landscape.
Despite the withdrawal of giants like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, the championship continues to attract significant commitments. Porsche, for instance, remains fully invested, having committed to the series five years ago with plans to stay through 2030. Jeff Dodds of Porsche articulated this alignment by stating, “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
While Formula E has made substantial progress, it faces ongoing challenges, particularly in expanding its fanbase and media presence. Zak Brown has highlighted the necessity for more free-to-air broadcasting: “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.” Jeff Dodds echoed similar sentiments about accessibility: “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.”
A Global Motorsport Force
As Formula E prepares to conclude its 10th season with a thrilling double-header in London, the championship's growth trajectory is evident. What began as a start-up has transformed into a consolidated, multi-continent, and multi-manufacturer series. “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,” observed Lucas di Grassi.
Formula E's journey exemplifies innovation and resilience, continually redefining the future of motorsport. As the series looks to the horizon, both challenges and opportunities lie ahead, ensuring that the electric racing revolution will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.