Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has rapidly carved out a unique niche in the world of motorsport. Launched by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and brought to life by the vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E aimed to allure a younger audience while placing the spotlight on battery-powered vehicles. Conceived in 2011, the championship's journey from a conceptual phase to a formidable racing series has been marked by innovations and strategic decisions that have significantly altered the landscape of electric racing.
A Vision Realized
“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” recalls Lucas di Grassi, shedding light on the skepticism that initially surrounded the idea. Yet, the commitment to develop a racing series exclusively for electric cars was unwavering. The debut season witnessed 10 teams competing with the standardized Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, a collaborative effort that saw contributions from McLaren and Williams, especially in developing the motors and batteries.
First-generation Formula E cars, with a top speed of 140mph, came with their set of limitations, including the need for mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. However, the introduction of the second-generation vehicles marked a significant turning point, eliminating the need for car swaps and enhancing top speeds to 173mph. The evolution continued with the current 'gen 3' cars, which now showcase racing speeds up to 200mph.
Milestones and Challenges
British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in the series' third season following a 12-year hiatus. In the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, Mercedes-EQ dominated the series, securing both driver and team titles. Nevertheless, the 2022-23 campaign brought shifts in the competitive landscape as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exited, leaving room for new players and stirring the competitive spirit of the existing ones. McLaren Racing's acquisition of the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal was a pivotal move, underpinning their intent to lead in this innovative racing domain.
Enduring Commitment and Future Developments
Formula E’s journey hasn't been just about technological advancements and racing prowess; it's been as much about the commitment to sustainability and long-term engagement from the automotive giants. “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,” Jeff Dodds, highlighting Porsche’s sustained commitment to the series for the foreseeable future, plans to stay through 2030, reinforcing their long-term strategy in electric vehicle development.
As the 'gen 4' upgrades are already in development for season 13 and beyond, Formula E is not resting on its laurels. The championship continues to innovate and push boundaries, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of electric vehicle racing advancements.
Accessibility and Growth
Zak Brown brings a pertinent perspective to the table, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to the sport: “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.” He underscores the importance of making the races more accessible to a broader audience, an effort that is crucial for the sport's continued growth and increased viewership.
Jeff Dodds echoes similar sentiments, stressing the need for a long-term strategy to solve accessibility issues. “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.”
Lucas di Grassi sums up the journey and evolution of Formula E aptly: “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.” The narrative of Formula E is one of continual growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability and electric vehicle technology.
As Formula E concludes its 10th season with a thrilling double-header in London, the series stands as a testament to what visionary thinking and collaborative efforts can achieve. From early skepticism to its current status as a cutting-edge, globally recognized championship, Formula E is not just racing against competitors but driving towards a future where electric vehicles stand at the forefront of motorsport.