Formula E has come a long way since its inception, completing nine riveting seasons since its launch by the FIA in 2014. Far from being just another motorsport series, it aimed to captivate a younger audience and spotlight the potential of battery-powered vehicles. The roots of Formula E can be traced back to a shared vision between Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, who conceived the idea back in 2011.
The debut season set the stage with 10 teams, all equipped with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. Notably, McLaren and Williams played pivotal roles in developing the car's motors and batteries. Despite their innovative design, the first-generation cars had limitations, particularly needing mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints. These early vehicles maxed out at a top speed of 140mph, which was revolutionary at the time.
Evolution Through the Years
Technological advancements came swiftly. The second-generation cars bumped the top speed to 173mph and crucially did away with the mid-race car swap necessity. Now, with the 'gen 3' cars, racers can hit speeds of up to 200mph, signifying how far the series has come in a relatively short period. The constant evolution in technology underscores Lucas di Grassi's words: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
Big Players and New Entrants
The series has also seen notable entries and exits. British marque Jaguar returned to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. The team has since been a critical player in the series. Conversely, by the 2022-23 campaign, traditional powerhouses like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes had exited the series. Mercedes-EQ made a significant mark before their departure, securing driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. In a strategic move, McLaren Racing acquired the reigning world champions following Mercedes' withdrawal.
The Porsche Commitment
Porsche's involvement in Formula E has been steadfast, as confirmed by Jeff Dodds: “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, which committed to the series five years ago, plans to stay through 2030, indicative of their long-term vision aligned with electric vehicle production.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Formula E has built a solid foundation, it's not without its challenges. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, notes, “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.” Echoing his sentiments, Jeff Dodds points out a significant broadcasting dilemma: “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.”
Looking Ahead to Season 13 and Beyond
Even as Formula E wraps up its 10th season with an exciting double-header in London, there's no resting on laurels. The 'gen 4' upgrade is already in development, targeting season 13 and beyond. This continual advancement underscores the forward-thinking mindset that has helped Formula E grow from its humble beginnings. Lucas di Grassi sums it up well: “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 from a nascent idea to a major series in motorsport is nothing short of remarkable. Its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technology positions it well for a future where electric vehicles will inevitably dominate the landscape.