Formula E, the revolutionary electric car racing series launched by the FIA in 2014, has celebrated a decade of pushing boundaries and changing perceptions in motorsport.
A Vision Transformed Into Reality
The concept for Formula E emerged in 2011 from the collaborative vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. Their daring initiative aimed to appeal to a younger demographic while showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles. As Lucas di Grassi reflected, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” The sentiment captures the radical nature of the undertaking at the time.
Evolution of the Machines
The debut season featured 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E cars, with McLaren and Williams playing crucial roles in the development of the motors and batteries. These first-generation cars, capable of reaching 140 mph, required mid-race car swaps due to battery limitations.
By the second generation, substantial advancements were evident. The cars reached top speeds of 173 mph and eliminated the need for mid-race car swaps. Today's Gen 3 cars continue this upward trajectory, boasting racing speeds of up to 200 mph.
Competitive Landscape Shifts
The series has seen significant shifts in team composition over the years. Season three marked British manufacturer Jaguar’s return to competitive racing after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ made a notable impact by securing both driver and team titles consecutively in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before their exit, alongside Audi and BMW, by the 2022-23 campaign. Stepping into this gap, McLaren Racing acquired the reigning champions, ensuring a seamless transition at the top.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
As Formula E continues to evolve, sustainability remains a cornerstone of its ethos. Zak Brown emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility, stating, “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.”
Looking ahead, Porsche has reaffirmed its commitment to the series, planning participation through at least 2030, highlighting its alignment with a future of electric mobility. “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.
The Road Ahead
Formula E is not resting on its laurels. Development for the Gen 4 upgrade, scheduled for season 13 and beyond, is already underway. The pioneering spirit that saw the championship grow from a start-up to a "consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series,” as Lucas di Grassi described, shows no signs of waning.
Bigger Audience, Bigger Impact
A critical component of Formula E’s future success will be expanding its audience. Zak Brown pointed out the importance of broader accessibility, “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 echoed this sentiment, “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.”
As Formula E prepares to complete its 10th season with a much-anticipated double-header in London, it stands as a testament to how visionary ideas, backed by innovative technology and a commitment to sustainability, can redefine the landscape of motorsport. What started as an audacious project has matured into a competitive, influential series poised for a bright and thrilling future.