Formula E Emerges as a Pillar of Modern Motorsport
In the ever-evolving world of motorsport, Formula E has firmly established itself as both a pioneer and a mainstay since its inception in 2014. Launched by the FIA, this innovative racing series aimed to capture the imagination of a younger generation while showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles.
The idea of Formula E was born in 2011 through the collaborative vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. Over its nine completed seasons, the series has transformed from a fledgling start-up into a globally recognized championship. "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," remarked legendary driver Lucas di Grassi.
The debut season of Formula E saw 10 teams taking to the track, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Notably, industry giants McLaren and Williams contributed significantly to the development of the initial car's motors and batteries. These first-generation cars boasted top speeds of 140mph, but due to battery constraints, drivers had to perform mid-race car swaps. This practice was phased out with the introduction of the second-generation cars, which pushed the top speed to 173mph and effectively eliminated the necessity for car swaps. Today, the 'gen 3' cars represent the pinnacle of this evolution, achieving racing speeds up to 200mph.
One of the pivotal moments in Formula E's history was the return of the iconic British manufacturer Jaguar to competitive racing in season three, marking the end of their 12-year hiatus. With their entrée, the championship gained further credibility and a surge in competitive spirit. More recently, the dominance of Mercedes-EQ in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons underscored the high level of competition within the series. However, the subsequent departure of giants such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes by the 2022-23 campaign marked a significant change in the landscape. Following Mercedes' exit, McLaren Racing seized the opportunity to acquire the reigning world champions, continuing the legacy of elite competition.
Interestingly, Porsche has demonstrated unwavering commitment, having joined Formula E five years ago and planning to extend their participation 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, echoing the brand’s sentiment.
While the sporting spectacle of Formula E continues to thrill fans, the series has not been without its challenges. One prominent issue has been the accessibility of broadcasts. "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," observed Zak Brown, alluding to the need for better visibility. Jeff Dodds also highlighted a critical aspect, emphasizing, "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."
Despite these hurdles, the future looks promising for Formula E. The development of the 'gen 4' cars for their 13th season indicates continued innovation and a commitment to sustainability, which has been a core value since the sport's inception. As Lucas di Grassi aptly put it, “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.” These advancements not only enhance the competitive aspect but also play a crucial role in shaping public opinion about electric vehicles.
As Formula E gears up to conclude its 10th season with a thrilling double-header in London, the championship stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary ideas are combined with cutting-edge technology. Reflecting on the early days of electric car racing, di Grassi humorously recalled, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” Today, those "crazy" ideas are driving the future of motorsport, proving that sustainability and high performance are not mutually exclusive but can thrive together on the global stage.