Formula E: A Decade of Electrifying Progress and Future Prospects
Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has revolutionized the motorsports landscape, combining innovation in electric vehicle technology with the thrill of high-speed racing. Conceived by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt in 2011, the championship aimed to attract a younger audience and shine a spotlight on the potential of battery-powered vehicles. After completing nine successful seasons, Formula E stands as a testament to the vision of its founders.
Formula E's debut season featured 10 teams, all equipped with Spark-Renault SRT 01E cars. These first-generation cars, with a top speed of 140mph, necessitated mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations. However, the competition was fierce, drawing attention to the burgeoning technology of electric racing.
The evolution of Formula E cars has been remarkable. Second-generation cars reached top speeds of 173mph and eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps, addressing one of the early criticisms. Today, the current 'gen 3' cars boast racing speeds up to 200mph, showcasing the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Integral to the development of the initial car motors and batteries were industry giants McLaren and Williams. Their contributions laid a solid foundation for the series’ growth. McLaren Racing continues to play a pivotal role, acquiring the world champions following Mercedes-EQ's withdrawal at the end of the 2022-23 campaign, a move that underscores the ongoing commitment of top automotive brands to the sport.
Mercedes-EQ's dominance in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, securing both driver and team titles, highlighted the competitive nature of the series. Yet, the exits of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes by the 2022-23 campaign did raise questions about the future of these brands in electric racing. Nevertheless, Porsche's continued commitment to Formula E, planning to stay through 2030, and the development of the 'gen 4' upgrade for season 13 and beyond, signal a bright future.
One of the key moments in Formula E's history was the return of British manufacturer Jaguar to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. This comeback marked a significant milestone, showcasing the appeal and competitive nature of the series. Reflecting on these developments, Lucas di Grassi commented, “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.”
There's no denying that the perception of electric cars has dramatically shifted. Lucas di Grassi pointed out, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” This change is mirrored in the increasing popularity and acceptance of Formula E. Having a fast and performing car is crucial for the public perception of the sport, as di Grassi aptly noted.
In terms of media presence, the sport faces challenges. Zak Brown emphasized the need for broader accessibility, stating, “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.” This sentiment was echoed by Jeff Dodds, who stressed the importance of long-term solutions: “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 remains a core pillar of Formula E. Zak Brown highlighted its significance, saying, “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 to sustainability is intertwined with the series’ mission to promote electric vehicles, as Jeff Dodds remarked, “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.”
As Formula E prepares to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London, it stands as a beacon of innovation and progress in motorsports. The series' trajectory over the past decade underscores a profound shift towards sustainable racing and continues to attract top manufacturers and racing talent. With plans already in place for future technological advancements, Formula E is set to remain at the forefront of electric racing for years to come.