Nine Seasons of Electrifying Progress: A Look at Formula E's Evolution
Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has transformed the landscape of motorsport, completing nine thrilling seasons. Launched by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the all-electric series sought to capture the hearts of a younger audience and shine a spotlight on battery-powered vehicles.
The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the concept of Formula E was conceived in 2011. With a vision to innovate and inspire, the series was launched with a debut season featuring 10 teams, all competing using the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Esteemed manufacturers McLaren and Williams contributed to the development of the initial car motors and batteries, setting a solid foundation for the championship.
A Journey of Technological Advancements
The first-generation Formula E cars boasted a top speed of 140mph but required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. Racing enthusiasts watched as these early vehicles blazed new trails, even if it necessitated a pit stop to change cars halfway through the race. However, the technological advancements didn’t stop there. The second-generation cars heralded a new era with a top speed of 173mph, eliminating the need for car swaps altogether. Today, the current 'gen 3' cars have reached racing speeds of up to 200mph, showcasing the rapid progress in electric vehicle technology on the world stage.
From Hiatus to Titles: Team Movements and Triumphs
British manufacturer Jaguar marked its return to competitive racing in the third season, following a 12-year hiatus. Other notable entries and exits further shaped the landscape; Mercedes-EQ secured both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, but by the 2022-23 campaign, Mercedes, along with Audi and BMW, had exited Formula E. McLaren Racing capitalized on Mercedes' departure by acquiring the world champions, while Porsche has committed to the series, promising an involvement that stretches through to 2030.
A Vision for the Future
As Formula E prepares to close its 10th season with a double-header in London, anticipation builds for the next wave of innovations. The 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development, aiming to further elevate the competitive edge and sustainability of the series from season 13 onwards.
Lucas di Grassi, a seasoned driver in Formula E, reflected on the early skepticism surrounding electric cars. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” he remarked. The journey from those initial perceptions to today's widespread acceptance has been rapid and radical. Di Grassi further emphasized the importance of performance in shaping public perception: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Sustainability and Public Engagement
The commitment to sustainability has been a cornerstone of Formula E's philosophy. As Zak Brown points out, “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.” Yet, Brown and others recognize that awareness and accessibility issues need addressing. “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 also highlighted the importance of accessibility, warning, “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.”
Reflecting on Formula E's remarkable growth, di Grassi noted, “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.”
Formula E's journey is a testament to innovation and vision in motorsport, demonstrating that the future of racing is not just fast and thrilling but also sustainable and forward-thinking. The series continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what electric vehicles can achieve on the racetrack and capturing the imaginations of fans worldwide.