A Decade of Triumph and Transformation: The Evolution of Formula E
Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has continuously driven the conversation around electric vehicles and sustainable racing. Now, as it approaches the conclusion of its 10th season with an exciting double-header in London, it’s opportune to reflect on how this innovative racing series has evolved and captured the imaginations of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
Formula E was conceived in 2011, a shared vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt. Launched by the FIA with the primary goals of appealing to a younger audience and spotlighting the capabilities of battery-powered vehicles, the championship was once considered a wild and risky venture. "Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists," recalls Lucas di Grassi, a driver who has been part of the series since its early days.
The debut season set the stage with 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, a collaborative product with McLaren and Williams contributing to its motors and batteries. These first-generation cars, with top speeds of 140mph, required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints—a challenge that highlighted the burgeoning but imperfect technology of electric vehicles at the time.
With advancements in electric vehicle technology, the second-generation cars eradicated the need for these car swaps, thanks to their increased top speeds of up to 173mph and more efficient batteries. The evolution didn’t stop there; today’s 'gen 3' cars can reach speeds up to 200mph, showcasing the remarkable progress in engineering.
One of the stories that exemplifies the dynamic nature of Formula E is the return of British manufacturer Jaguar in season three, after a 12-year hiatus from competitive racing. Their comeback symbolized a blend of heritage and innovation, reminding fans of the rich history and the progressive future of motorsports.
The competitive landscape has also seen significant changes. Mercedes-EQ proved dominant, securing driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, only to exit the series by the 2022-23 campaign—a move mirrored by Audi and BMW. Nonetheless, McLaren Racing stepped into the void left by Mercedes' withdrawal, underscoring the series’ continual evolution and the shifting interests of automotive giants.
Porsche, a name synonymous with high performance and racing heritage, has committed itself to the electric racing series, planning to stay through 2030. As Jeff Dodds aptly puts it, “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 next frontier for Formula E lies in the 'gen 4' cars, slated for development for season 13 and beyond. With continuous improvements and innovations, the series promises to deliver even more excitement and engagement for its fans.
The allure of Formula E extends beyond just the speed and thrill of racing. Sustainability underpins the ethos of the competition. "Sustainability was a big factor. We take that very seriously," notes Zak Brown, emphasizing the broad impact of the series beyond the racetrack. He adds, "Formula E gives us another icing on the cake," illustrating its value not just as a standalone spectacle but as part of a larger commitment to sustainable practices in motorsports.
Despite its growth, challenges remain. Expanding the fanbase is a key focus. "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," says Brown, underlining the need for better accessibility and visibility. Jeff Dodds echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of ensuring that fans can easily find where to watch the races, “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.”
From its status as a speculative start-up, Formula E has matured into a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series. "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," reflects di Grassi. The journey so far has been peppered with milestones and lessons, painting a bright future for the sport.
As Formula E gears up to conclude its momentous tenth season in London, it stands as a testament to how far innovative thinking and a commitment to sustainability can take motorsports. The electrifying journey continues, with every race propelling the sport—and the conversation around electric vehicles—ever forward.