Formula E has firmly established itself in the global motorsport arena, marking its tenth season with an impressive narrative of innovation, sustainability, and fierce competition. Launched by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 2014, the electric racing series has captivated audiences with its unique proposition, combining cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness.
A Visionary Beginning
The idea of an all-electric racing series was conceived in 2011 by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. This duo envisioned a championship that would appeal to a younger audience while spotlighting the potential of battery-powered vehicles. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” reminisced Formula E driver Lucas di Grassi, capturing the initial skepticism surrounding the venture.
The Evolution of Electric Racing
Formula E's debut season featured ten teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, with McLaren and Williams playing pivotal roles in developing its motors and batteries. The first-generation cars reached top speeds of 140mph, but battery limitations necessitated mid-race car swaps. This constraint was eliminated with the introduction of second-generation vehicles, which boosted speeds to 173mph and allowed drivers to complete races without changing cars.
Currently, the 'gen 3' cars dominate the tracks with racing speeds soaring up to 200mph. The advancements in technology and performance reflect the series' commitment to progress. “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” di Grassi emphasized.
Major Milestones and Notable Teams
British manufacturer Jaguar made a noteworthy return to competitive racing in Formula E's third season after a 12-year hiatus. Meanwhile, Mercedes-EQ demonstrated dominance by securing both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, the 2022-23 campaign saw the exit of stalwart manufacturers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes from the series. McLaren Racing stepped in, acquiring the world champions following Mercedes' departure, signaling their commitment to the electric racing arena.
Commitment to the Future
Porsche, another prestigious name in motorsports, committed to Formula E five years ago and plans to be involved through 2030. Jeff Dodds highlighted the strategic alignment, 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.”
Scaling New Heights
As Formula E prepares for its season-ending double-header in London, the series continually strives for greater reach and engagement. Zak Brown pointedly noted the importance of accessibility, saying, “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.”
The organization's growth from a start-up to a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series is a testament to its remarkable journey. “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,” reflected di Grassi.
Towards Season 13 and Beyond
The development of the 'gen 4' cars, set to commence in season 13, signifies Formula E's unyielding drive for technological advancements. Continuously breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks, Formula E remains at the forefront of motorsport innovation, firmly racing towards a future dominated by sustainable and electrifying performance.