The electric allure of Formula E has significantly evolved since its inception by the FIA in 2014. With nine seasons under its belt, the championship has transformed from a speculative endeavor into a global motorsports sensation. Originally conceived in 2011 as a shared vision between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, Formula E aimed to captivate a younger audience and spotlight the capabilities of battery-powered vehicles.
Early Days and Growth
The debut season was a testament to the collaboration within the industry, with ten teams hitting the tracks with the standardized Spark-Renault SRT 01E cars. Contributions from McLaren and Williams were pivotal in developing the initial motors and batteries. However, the first-generation cars faced limitations, reaching a top speed of 140mph and necessitating mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. The evolution to second-generation cars marked a significant leap; these cars reached speeds of up to 173mph and eliminated the need for those cumbersome swaps. Most recently, the third-generation vehicles now race at impressive speeds of up to 200mph.
'“Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,”' recalls Lucas di Grassi, highlighting the transformative journey of electric mobility within the motorsport realm. '“Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport,”' adds di Grassi. His insights underscore the championship's intensive focus on performance and technological excellence, which has shifted public perception of electric cars from skepticism to admiration.
Return and Departure of Giants
British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in season three, ending a 12-year hiatus. The significance of this move demonstrated the growing appeal and credibility of Formula E. However, the championship has also seen notable departures; Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exited by the 2022-23 campaign. Mercedes-EQ had previously clinched both driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, and its exit marked the end of an era for the marque in Formula E. Interestingly, McLaren Racing acquired the world champions' operations following Mercedes' withdrawal, marking a new chapter for the legendary racing team.
Meanwhile, Porsche has shown a deep commitment to the electric racing series. Entering Formula E five years ago, Porsche has pledged to remain through 2030, reflecting its strategic alignment with the growing emphasis on electric vehicles. '“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,”' explains Jeff Dodds. This sentiment resonates with Porsche's long-term goals and the broader narrative of sustainable motorsport.
The Road Ahead
While Formula E prepares to conclude its 10th season with an eagerly anticipated double-header in London, the championship is far from resting on its laurels. The 'gen 4' update is already in development for season 13 and beyond, promising further advancements in speed, efficiency, and technology. '“The championship was a start-up; now it’s a consolidated, multi-continent, multi-national, multi-manufacturer series,”' says di Grassi. He acknowledges that the series still has room for improvement but celebrates the significant growth achieved since its humble beginnings.
Broadcast visibility remains a crucial challenge. Zak Brown points out, '“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.”' Ensuring wider accessibility to broadcasts is essential for growing the sport's global footprint and fanbase. Jeff Dodds echoes this concern, 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.”'
In conclusion, Formula E has successfully navigated through its formative years to become a pioneering and reputable championship in the motorsport world. Its journey is a testament to the combined efforts of manufacturers, drivers, and visionaries who believed in the future of electric racing. As it gears up for future seasons, the focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and expanding its reach to a broader audience. The road may have its challenges, but the promise of a more electrifying future for motorsport is undeniable.