The Formula E Championship has marked a significant milestone as it prepares to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London. Launched in 2014 by the FIA, Formula E aimed to captivate a younger audience and elevate the prominence of battery-powered vehicles in the world of motorsports.
A Vision Realized
The inception of Formula E can be traced back to a collaborative vision shared by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt in 2011. What started as a dream materialized into a highly competitive racing series, with its first season showcasing 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Esteemed companies such as McLaren and Williams contributed to the development of these initial car motors and batteries, setting the foundation for the series.
Technological Evolution
The journey from modest beginnings has been nothing short of remarkable. First-generation Formula E cars had a top speed of 140mph but were hampered by battery constraints that necessitated mid-race car swaps. The advent of the second-generation cars saw speeds increase to 173mph, with the significant improvement of eliminating car swaps. Today, the current 'gen 3' cars boast racing speeds of up to 200mph, demonstrating the rapid pace of technological advancement within the series.
Lucas di Grassi, a stalwart in the Formula E paddock, highlights the transformation: “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.”
Racing Dynasties and New Entrants
Throughout its history, Formula E has attracted top-tier manufacturers while witnessing significant shifts within the grid. British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in season three following a 12-year hiatus, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and performance. The championship also gained prominence through the presence of automotive giants like Mercedes-EQ, which secured driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
However, by the 2022-23 campaign, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exited the series, leaving a competitive void. As the motorsport landscape evolved, McLaren Racing seized an opportunity, acquiring the world champions following Mercedes' departure. At the same time, Porsche, having committed to Formula E five years ago, has bolstered its presence with plans to remain through 2030. Jeff Dodds encapsulates this sentiment, 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.”
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the 'gen 4' upgrade is in development for season 13 and beyond, promising to further push the boundaries of electric racing. As the championship continues to evolve, there are crucial considerations regarding its accessibility and viewership. Zak Brown of McLaren Racing articulates these concerns: “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 echoes the importance of visibility and outreach: “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.”
Sustainability and Future Aspirations
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Formula E’s ethos. Zak Brown underscores this: “Sustainability was a big factor. We take that very seriously. F1 is really big in America but IndyCar gives us icing on the cake. Sustainability, doing great in F1, very important to us; Formula E gives us another icing on the cake.” This commitment not only aligns with global trends towards greener technologies but also solidifies Formula E’s position as a pioneer in sustainable motorsport.
Lucas di Grassi reflects on the initial skepticism faced by the series: “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” Yet, the consistent push for innovation and performance has gradually changed perceptions. “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” di Grassi adds, emphasizing the importance of competitive and technologically advanced racing in achieving mainstream acceptance.
As Formula E races toward the future, its journey encapsulates the spirit of progress and resilience. From its groundbreaking inception to its current status as a dynamic and rapidly growing sport, Formula E stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in motorsports.