With the conclusion of its 10th season in sight, Formula E continues to solidify its reputation as a groundbreaking racing series that combines high-speed competition with environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2014, this FIA-launched series has swiftly moved from a fledgling concept to a cornerstone of modern motorsport.
The Visionaries and the Early Challenges
The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E was conceived in 2011. At a time when electric cars were often dismissed as the vague dreams of "crazy or green activists," according to driver Lucas di Grassi, the series set out to transform the public perception of battery-powered vehicles. Formula E aimed to captivate a younger audience, showcasing that electric cars were not just environmentally friendly but also capable of thrilling, high-speed racing.
The Evolution of the Machine
The debut season welcomed 10 teams, all utilizing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, developed with contributions from industry stalwarts McLaren and Williams. These first-generation cars, with a top speed of 140mph, required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. The advancement to second-generation cars in subsequent seasons marked a significant leap, increasing the top speed to 173mph and eliminating the need for awkward car swaps. Today, the 'gen 3' cars reach incredible racing speeds of up to 200mph, signaling the impressive technological strides made within a decade.
Returns, Exits, and New Commitments
Season three witnessed the return of British manufacturer Jaguar after a 12-year racing hiatus, adding a historic name to the competitive lineup. However, the ever-shifting landscape of Formula E also saw major players like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes departing the series by the 2022-23 campaign. Despite these exits, McLaren Racing's acquisition of the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal illustrated the continuing allure of the championship.
Porsche, a brand synonymous with racing excellence, committed to Formula E five years ago and has plans extending through 2030. Jeff Dodds of Porsche succinctly encapsulated the brand’s commitment: “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.”
Sustaining Success and Building a Future
As the series's growth continues, sustainability remains a central tenet. Zak Brown highlighted this, noting, “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.”
Nevertheless, the future isn't without its challenges. Lucas di Grassi noted the series's growing legitimacy, describing Formula E as a "consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series that still has a lot to improve but has grown massively from the start." This sentiment is echoed by Jeff Dodds, who pointed out the need for broader visibility: “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.”
Zak Brown also acknowledged the need for greater accessibility to fans: “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.”
Looking Ahead to 'Gen 4'
Innovation doesn't rest, and Formula E's commitment to evolution is evident as it prepares for the 'gen 4' upgrade, slated for development in season 13 and beyond. These advancements are poised to push the series further, promising even more thrilling races and cutting-edge technology.
As Formula E gears up to conclude its 10th season with a double-header in London, reflecting on its journey offers a glimpse of how far this electric odyssey has come. From its early days of skepticism to its current status as a premier racing series, Formula E continues to drive the narrative of sustainable, high-performance motorsport forward.