Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has evolved from an ambitious concept into a dynamic and respected global championship. Born from the shared vision of Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the all-electric racing series was conceived in 2011, aiming to attract a younger audience and shine a spotlight on battery-powered vehicles.
From its debut season, Formula E was marked by innovation and collaboration. The inaugural race featured ten teams, all of which used the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. McLaren and Williams played crucial roles in developing the initial motors and batteries, catapulting the series into the public eye. While the first-generation cars had a top speed of 140mph and necessitated mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints, the series quickly adapted. The introduction of second-generation cars, which boasted speeds up to 173mph, eliminated the need for car swaps, showcasing the rapid technological advancements within the sport.
Reflecting on Formula E's early days, driver Lucas di Grassi noted, “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists.” This sentiment underscores the transformative journey of the series, which now enjoys a consolidated presence across multiple continents and nations. Di Grassi further emphasized the importance of maintaining high-performing vehicles: “Having a fast and a performing car is very important for the public perception towards how they appreciate the sport.”
As technology progressed, so did the competition. The current 'gen 3' cars have racing speeds reaching up to 200mph. Season three marked a significant milestone with the return of British manufacturer Jaguar to competitive racing after a 12-year hiatus, signifying increased manufacturer investment and interest in the series.
However, the dynamic nature of Formula E also saw some departures. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes exited the championship by the 2022-23 campaign. Despite these exits, the series remained resilient. Mercedes-EQ notably secured driver and team titles in both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons before their departure. McLaren Racing stepped in to acquire the world champions' team following Mercedes' withdrawal, demonstrating the ongoing allure and potential of the series.
Looking ahead, Porsche's commitment to Formula E is particularly noteworthy. With a pledge extending five years ago and plans to stay through 2030, Porsche exemplifies the long-term investment and vision that many see in the future of electric racing. As Jeff Dodds aptly puts 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.”
Formula E's commitment to sustainability and its role in the broader motorsport ecosystem were echoed by Zak Brown, who remarked, “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 fan engagement remain critical areas for the championship's growth. Zak Brown pointed out the importance of increasing free-to-air broadcasts: “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 emphasized the crucial need for accessibility: “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.”
As Formula E approaches the conclusion of its 10th season with a thrilling double-header in London, the series continues to innovate and expand. The anticipation for the 'gen 4' upgrade, in development for season 13 and beyond, signals ongoing advancements and a promising future. Reflecting on the journey so far, Lucas di Grassi encapsulated the evolution of the series, stating, “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 trajectory from a nascent idea to a leading force in motorsport showcases the transformative power of vision, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. As the series continues to evolve, it remains poised to not only redefine racing but also to lead the charge in the automotive world's electric future.