In its relatively short lifespan since its debut in 2014, Formula E has dramatically transformed the landscape of motorsports. As the series prepares to conclude its 10th season with a highly anticipated double-header in London, it's a testimony to the visionaries who saw potential in a world often skeptical of electric race cars.
A Vision Realized
Initially conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was their bold attempt to captivate a younger audience and shine a spotlight on the possibilities of battery-powered vehicles. This ambition came to fruition when the FIA officially launched the series in 2014. Since then, Formula E has completed nine successful seasons, carving a niche for itself in the competitive world of racing.
The Evolution of Electric Racing
From its inception, Formula E has evolved significantly. The debut season featured 10 teams, all using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Companies like McLaren and Williams played an instrumental role in the development of initial car motors and batteries. These first-generation cars had a top speed of 140 mph, but their battery limitations required mid-race car swaps—a unique but necessary feature at the time.
The series continually pushed the boundaries of technology to enhance the spectators' experience and the performance of the cars. Second-generation vehicles saw their top speeds increase to 173 mph, eliminating the need for those inconvenient mid-race swaps. The current 'gen 3' cars reach impressive racing speeds of up to 200 mph, a figure that underscores the remarkable advancements made in just under a decade.
Not Just About Speed
While speed is critical, the impact of Formula E goes beyond just how fast a car can go. "Having a fast and performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport," said Lucas di Grassi. Notably, di Grassi also highlighted the initial skepticism surrounding electric cars: “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” This shift in public perception is one of Formula E's most significant achievements.
Jeff Dodds of Porsche captured the essence of this transformation: “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.” Major manufacturers such as Jaguar, Porsche, and Mercedes embraced the series, with Jaguar marking its competitive return in the third season after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ’s dominance in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons further validates the series' growing influence.
The Commercial Challenge
Despite its on-track successes, Formula E faces challenges in reaching a broader audience. Zak Brown, a significant figure in motorsport, pointed out the need for more accessible 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.” Echoing this sentiment, Jeff Dodds remarked, “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.” Addressing this issue is vital for the series' sustained growth and global reach.
Looking Forward
Formula E’s journey from a start-up to a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, and multi-manufacturer series has been nothing short of remarkable. “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,” noted Lucas di Grassi. Porsche's commitment to staying through 2030 and the ongoing development of the 'gen 4' upgrade scheduled for season 13 and beyond hint at a bright, albeit challenging, future.
As Formula E wraps up its 10th season, the series exemplifies how innovative ideas, relentless development, and a commitment to sustainability can redefine an entire sport. With key industry players onboard and technology continuously advancing, Formula E not only survives but thrives in an ever-evolving motorsport world.