Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has rapidly evolved from a nascent idea into a premier racing series that captures the imagination of a younger, tech-savvy audience. Born out of a shared vision between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the electric racing series successfully concluded its ninth season, with the 10th season finale on the horizon set to take place with a double-header in London.
The journey of Formula E began with a groundbreaking concept conceived in 2011. The series debuted with 10 teams, each employing the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car, a testament to the collective efforts of racing giants McLaren and Williams who developed the initial car motors and batteries. During its initial years, the first-generation cars, with a top speed of 140mph, necessitated mid-race car swaps due to limited battery life—a scenario that is now a relic of the past.
The second-generation cars, boasting a top speed of 173mph, marked a significant technological leap by eliminating the need for car swaps. The current third-generation cars have further pushed the boundaries, reaching racing speeds up to 200mph. Looking forward, the development of the 'gen 4' upgrade promises to continue this trend of innovation, set for season 13 and beyond.
“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” reflected Lucas di Grassi, highlighting the skepticism that initially surrounded the concept. Today, Formula E stands as a beacon of sustainability and high performance, challenging traditional notions of motorsport. “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,” di Grassi added, underscoring the dual commitment to speed and eco-consciousness that defines the series.
Throughout its journey, Formula E has attracted and retained the participation of renowned automotive brands, though not without some comings and goings. British manufacturer Jaguar made a triumphant return to competitive racing in season three, ending a 12-year hiatus. Conversely, the 2022-23 campaign saw stalwarts such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exit the fray. However, this gap was filled by McLaren Racing, who acquired the world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
Porsche, another heavyweight in the automotive world, has shown unwavering commitment to Formula E, having joined five years ago with plans to stay through 2030. As Jeff Dodds aptly put 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 duality of growth and sustainability remains at the core of Formula E's appeal. Zak Brown aptly captured this sentiment, 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.”
Broadcasting and accessibility remain areas of focus for the series as it seeks to grow its fanbase. “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,” observed Brown, highlighting the importance of wider visibility. Jeff Dodds echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, “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 provided a fitting summation of the series' evolution: “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.” This statement rings true as Formula E stands not just as a racing series, but as a trailblazer in sustainable automotive technology and a magnet for automotive innovation.
As Formula E gears up for its 10th season finale in London, it offers more than just a race; it promises a glimpse into the future of motorsport, where speed, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology coexist seamlessly.