Formula E has rapidly transformed from a bold concept to a thrilling, multi-national motorsport series. Since its inception in 2014, the FIA-launched championship has completed nine electrifying seasons and now prepares to conclude its 10th with a much-anticipated double-header in London.
The brainchild of Alejandro Agag and former FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E's roots trace back to 2011. From its humble beginnings, the vision was clear: to capture the imagination of younger audiences while showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles in high-stakes racing.
Early Days of Innovation
The debut season saw 10 teams taking to the tracks with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Key contributions from major industry players like McLaren and Williams were instrumental in shaping the motors and batteries of these initial vehicles. However, the limitations were apparent—first-generation cars could only reach speeds of up to 140mph and required mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints.
Lucas di Grassi, one of the notable figures in Formula E, reflected on those early perceptions: “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” Despite the skepticism, the championship has seen tremendous evolution and acceptance.
Progress and Milestones
The introduction of the second-generation cars marked a significant leap forward with top speeds increasing to 173mph and eliminating the need for mid-race car swaps. The ongoing advancements are even more pronounced with the current 'gen 3' cars reaching speeds up to 200mph. Looking ahead, a 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development for season 13 and beyond, promising further innovation.
Notably, British manufacturer Jaguar made a remarkable return to competitive racing in Formula E's third season after a 12-year hiatus. Meanwhile, Mercedes-EQ dominated the 2020–21 and 2021–22 seasons, clinching both driver and team titles. However, the competitive landscape saw a shake-up when Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exited the series by the 2022–23 campaign. McLaren Racing seized the opportunity by acquiring the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
Commitment to Sustainability
Porsche's dedication to Formula E stands as a testament to the sport’s alignment with sustainability and future vehicle technologies. Jeff Dodds highlighted this synergy: “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.” Porsche’s commitment, initiated five years ago, extends with plans to remain in the sport through 2030.
Growing the Audience
Despite its achievements, Formula E recognizes the need for growth, particularly in expanding its fanbase. Zak Brown, known for his contributions to both Formula 1 and IndyCar, stressed the importance of visibility: “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.” Accessibility remains a crucial factor as noted by Jeff Dodds: “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 poignant reflection on Formula E’s journey: “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.”
As Formula E charges towards its 10th season finale in London, it stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable motorsport excellence. The journey from a nascent idea to a global championship underscores the transformative impact of electric racing, both on the track and in the broader automotive industry.