A winning formula: why Formula E is planning for the future

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A winning formula: why Formula E is planning for the future

Contrary to what you might expect, the electric cars of Formula E aren’t silent. While the noise isn’t quite as loud as you get from Formula One races, the whir of the electric motors still provides an ample soundtrack to the proceedings. 

I got my first experience of Formula E was in its infancy in Hong Kong, back in 2016. Now eight years later as it was setting up for a doubleheader at the Portland International Racetrack in Oregon, I saw just how far the sport has come. 

There are lots of reasons this all-electric race series is rapidly growing in popularity. Firstly, it’s far more accessible. Ticket prices are more affordable, and the drivers are constantly on the charm offensive, providing face time with its fans that would be unheard of in F1. Then there’s the race itself, which is far more unpredictable with positions changing every few seconds and even cars at the back of the pack able to climb quickly into poll. The win isn’t a forgone conclusion – even in the last lap. 

(Image credit: Future)

Then there’s the sustainability angle. Formula E goes far beyond just the electric power. Tyre options are limited to a single type to reduce the amount of rubber that needs to be used by each team and transported between venues. Even the lanyards for the event are made of recycled materials.

You could question the sustainability of a sport that travels constantly between international venues, but the sport has a certified net zero carbon footprint. This is thanks to its effective measuring of carbon, reduction and offsetting of carbon emissions, and is something it is continually working to improve on each season.

Formula E Portland

James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing team principal

(Image credit: Future)

Jaguar TCS Racing Team