When can we expect the debut of Formula E?
Recently, the electrically powered Formula E racing cars hissed across the Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin again. For two days, i.e. a doubleheader, the electric racing series made a stopover in the capital before the international tour moves on to Jakarta. Formula E does a lot of things right as a newcomer to racing.
But the big, prestigious brother is supposedly above everything: Formula 1. It produces great world stars, takes place on iconic racetracks, and is still a socially widespread sporting event to this day. Can Formula E even keep up? And whether! It is becoming more important from year to year and is already rapidly catching up with Formula 1. What are the big and important differences, how will Formula E grow in the next few years, and does it have what it takes to eventually replace Formula 1? We have answers to the most important questions.
The debut of Formula E:
Unveiled recently at Monaco Grand Prix, the Gen3 Formula E car is added as another step to maintain the hype for the electric racing series along with performance and technology. But it also shows that Formula E is approaching Formula 1. Formula 1 could face big decisions in 2035, said Formula E Envision Racing director Sylvain Filippi.
Filippi sees the coexistence of Formula E and Formula 1. Despite many similarities, the types of circuits, the length of the races, and the formats are different enough to run at the same time. "Niche segments always exist," said Philippi. "There are many options for Formula 1 in the future. We can expect the race would include 80% electric and 20% hybrid vehicles, or it could be the exact opposite and show the best V12 engine, only time will tell!
Formula E: What are the biggest differences to Formula 1?
There are some major and minor differences between Formula E and Formula 1. The crucial one is of course the engine. While the e-racing series runs exclusively with a battery that arose from a collaboration with McLaren Applied Technologies, Sony, and Lucid, Formula 1 uses a hybrid engine. The combination of combustion engines and electric motors including energy recovery is an answer to the sustainability accusations from a few years ago. A Formula 1 car creates a whopping 1000 hp, a Formula E vehicle "only" around 300 hp. In terms of acceleration, however, the two different cars do not differ. The particularly nice advantage of the electric racing series compared to Formula 1 are the racetracks. With one exception in Monaco, Formula E always drives in the city centers of the host cities and not on the classic racetracks. This makes for much more spectacular scenes and more flexible tours.
How will Formula E grow over the next few years?
Something is happening in Formula E. When the electric racing series stopped in Berlin, the motorsport racing team McLaren announced that it would take over the Mercedes EQ racing team in Formula E from the next season. In addition, from 2023 Maserati will also be starting with engines from sister company DS. This is very good for Formula E because major brands such as BMW and Audi have actually left Formula E in recent years. Electric racing is getting ready for a new season with exciting teams and a very positive outlook.
Sustainability is the most important aspect of Formula E:
It just doesn't sound like a sport that has its full merit in 2022. With high-powered racing cars that throw a lot of CO2 into the air with hybrid engines and with every lap. Things are different in Formula E. One of the most important sponsors, Moët & Chandon, withdrew from motorsport in 1997 - also for reasons of sustainability. After all, it was precisely this sponsor who invented the champagne spray that is iconic today. In 2019, the legendary champagne showers on the podium at the Formula E awards ceremony will once again be showered with prestigious champagne. For the past three years, Moët & Chandon has re-entered motorsport as the electric racing series fits the brand philosophy much better. This is just a story!
Will Formula E eventually replace Formula 1?
It would be too easy to play off the two premier classes of racing against each other. Because both classes have their place. Formula 1 for its long history, tradition, and relevance, and Formula E for its much more modern, sustainable, and exciting approach. Every motorsport fan enjoys several different racing competitions and will follow both classes with enthusiasm. A comparison of the two will always lag. It is therefore a good sign for Formula 1 that they have now switched to hybrid and the new entries in Formula E are part of the success story. Both racing classes deserve equal attention. After all, football fans don't just watch the Champions League.
