The Evolution of Formula E: Racing Toward the Future

Formula E, the electrifying championship that redefined motor racing, has just completed its ninth season since its launch in 2014. Initiated by the FIA and envisioned by Alejandro Agag and then-FIA president Jean Todt, the series has made significant strides toward its goals of attracting a younger audience and showcasing the potential of battery-powered vehicles.

The journey of Formula E began from humble origins. Conceived in 2011, its debut season unveiled a grid of ten teams, each equipped with the Spark-Renault SRT 01E car. This initial vehicle saw collaboration from McLaren and Williams, who played pivotal roles in developing its motors and batteries. Despite limitations such as a top speed of 140mph and the need for mid-race car swaps due to battery constraints, the series quickly captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Lucas di Grassi, one of the series’ pioneering drivers, recalled those early days with a mix of nostalgia and insight. “Back then, anybody who talked about electric cars were either crazy or green activists,” he said. As the championship evolved, so did the technology. The second-generation cars boasted a top speed of 173mph and eliminated the necessity for car swaps, signifying a substantial leap in performance.

Today, Formula E is racing into new territories with its 'gen 3' cars that can reach speeds up to 200mph. This progression has not gone unnoticed by major manufacturers. British manufacturer Jaguar made a notable return to competitive racing in season three after a 12-year hiatus. Mercedes-EQ also left a significant mark by securing driver and team titles in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. However, the landscape of the series is ever-changing, evidenced by the exit of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes by the 2022-23 campaign. Following Mercedes’ withdrawal, McLaren Racing stepped in to acquire the world champions, ensuring their continued presence in the sport.

Porsche has similarly shown steadfast commitment to the series. Entering Formula E five years ago, the iconic manufacturer has pledged to remain a mainstay through 2030. Jeff Dodds of Porsche articulates a sentiment that resonates with the brand’s ethos: “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.”

As Formula E drives toward its tenth season, the series shows no signs of slowing down. The eagerly anticipated 'gen 4' cars, currently under development, promise to carry the championship into its 13th season and beyond. The upcoming double-header in London serves as a symbolic culmination of the progress and innovations that have marked the journey of Formula E.

Despite its rapid growth and technical advances, the championship continues to contend with challenges. Zak Brown from McLaren touches on one such issue: media accessibility. “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 echoes this concern, emphasizing the importance of visibility. “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.”

Yet, the overall sentiment within the paddock remains optimistic. Di Grassi encapsulates this optimism perfectly: “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 the series prepares to conclude another milestone season, the electric buzz around Formula E is anything but ephemeral. With each passing lap, it reaffirms its place not just as a racing championship, but as a symbol of how far electric vehicle technology has come and where it can go. The cars are faster, the competition is fiercer, and the mission is clearer than ever—to continue capturing the hearts and minds of a new generation while pushing the boundaries of what's possible on four wheels.