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Formula E: Maximum Fun and Innovative Tech in the Most Important Motorsport on the Planet

Formula E: Maximum Fun and Innovative Tech in the Most Important Motorsport on the Planet

Imagine the energy of a music festival fused with the adrenaline of a futuristic street race. Formula E is where F1 meets Tron with a touch of Lollapalooza, set against a backdrop of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and a mission to redefine sustainability. Attending my first-ever Formula E event in the vibrant chaos of Mexico City, I saw firsthand why this E-Prix is one of the most dynamic, fast-paced, and fan-friendly motorsports in the world.

In the realm of open-wheel, single-seater racing, Formula 1 reigns supreme, but Formula E is carving out its own legacy. While F1 drips with glamour, global icons, and century-old prestige, Formula E brings a fresh narrative, combining high drama with a forward-thinking edge. With viewership growing significantly in key markets, specifically 45% in Germany and 30% in the USA, Formula E’s 374 million global fanbase has solidified itself as the fourth-largest motorsport globally, steadily narrowing the gap with F1’s 750 million audience.

The competition on the track is fierce. Manufacturers like McLaren, Jaguar, Maserati, Porsche, Nissan, and BMW have thrown their weight into the series, fielding world-class teams to fight for EV supremacy. While F1 has its global superstars—Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc—Formula E shifts focus to innovation and collective excellence. But don’t be mistaken, FE drivers like current champion Pascal Wehrlein, Mitch Evans and Jake Dennis are certified track studs with impressive pedigrees and fastly growing fan bases.

“We have some of the best drivers on the planet,” Jaguar Team Principal James Barclay told Hypebeast, highlighting the precision and adaptability required in Formula E. With overtakes that can number around 197403 per race compared to F1’s modest 50, the action is relentless. Contributing to the excitement are features like four-wheel drive, all-weather tires, reduced downforce, and smaller cars, but it’s Attack Mode that really takes the crown. Think of it as a real-life Mario Kart power-up: drivers veer off the ideal racing line to hit a boost pad, pushing their cars from 300kW to 350kW. It’s a high-stakes gamble, sacrificing track position for a perfectly timed burst of speed, where the payoff can be race-changing—or leave them spinning out of contention.

At the Mexico City E-Prix, I got to witness Nissan’s Oliver Rowland masterfully time his second Attack Mode activation with eight laps to go. He seized a safety car restart to then unleash a final-minute power boost. And in a breathtaking display of precision, he overtook four cars in rapid succession, surging from fourth to first and clinching victory. Now that’s drama.

FE’s three main pillars—motorsport, technology and sustainability.

In a sit-down, CEO Jeff Dodds explained to Hypebeast Formula E’s three pillars: motorsport, technology, and sustainability. Iconic brands like Porsche, Jaguar, and Maserati compete in what Dodds calls “the most competitive racing series in the world,” delivering unpredictable outcomes and thrilling innovation. The championship’s GEN3 Evo cars hit top speeds of 200 mph (322 kph) with 95% efficiency, and are capable of 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds (0-100kph in 1.86s), 30% faster than a current F1 car. Technologies like regenerative braking, which generates up to 600 kW of energy during races, directly influence consumer EV advancements, making Formula E a testbed for the future.

Equally revolutionary is Formula E’s sustainability ethos, earning it recognition as the most sustainable sport globally. From being “net zero from Day Zero” to cutting freight carbon emissions by 41%, Formula E powers events with renewable energy and employs sustainable aviation fuel to minimize its carbon footprint. These efforts resonate with a young, diverse audience—half of its fans are under 40, and the male-to-female ratio is a balanced 50/50. With races held in city centers, partnerships with forward-thinking companies, and a relentless drive for innovation, Formula E is the definitive blueprint for the future of racing.

Creator partnerships and the push for diversity and inclusion.

Innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity are redefining the future of motorsport, and few are leading the charge quite like Formula E. Instead of waiting for audiences to find them, Chief Marketing Officer Ellie Norman explains, they meet fans where they are—collaborating with creators and influencers who bring authentic, resonant voices to the sport. Take for example FE collaborating with Tasia Johnson (@tasiajewelx), a Lesbian, woman of color motorsport creator on TikTok who is opening the doors wide open for fans who might have never seen themselves reflected in motorsport before. By partnering with voices like hers, Formula E isn’t just reaching new audiences—it’s reshaping what motorsport fandom can look like.

@tasiajewelx Family is everything for Jake Dennis @Andretti Formula E ♥️ #formulae #motorsports ♬ Seasons – Sam Austins

At the heart of this mission is an unwavering commitment to diversity and accessibility. Norman envisions “the most inclusive sport in the world,” and steps like “Girls on Track” are breaking barriers for young women to enter motorsport. Initiatives like the women’s test in Madrid and partnerships with tech innovators exploring simulator technology are paving the way for a more diverse grid. By prioritizing bold ideas and inclusive opportunities, the series is ushering in an era hungry for progress, setting the standard for what racing can look like: authentic, forward-thinking, and open to all.

Race day vibes.

Race day in Formula E is a whirlwind of energy and excitement. Arriving at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez early, I joined fans already buzzing with anticipation. The festival-like atmosphere featured brand activations, racing simulators, and giveaways, while the exclusive Emotion Club offered a VIP experience with world-class food—gourmet tacos, lamb chops, and desserts—all served alongside stunning views of the track.

@fridaravelo Gran fin de semana en FE 💙 • • #fyp #mexico #formulae #eprixmexico #formulae2024 #CapCut ♬ sonido original – Frida Ravelo 🏎️

Between sessions, I explored the fan village, where spectators got up close to drivers for autographs and selfies. Before qualifiers, I took part in the Electric Lap, riding in a BYD EV that offered a thrilling taste of Formula E’s cutting-edge speed. Unlike F1’s three-day schedule, Formula E condenses practice, qualifying, and the race into one action-packed day, delivering maximum value for fans. Driver Nick Cassidy summed it up best: “Mexico City is one of those tracks where you rock up, the place is full, and it just creates a real, real nice buzz.” After the race, drivers interacted with fans in the media pen located in the center of the fan village, before the day ended with a lively concert.

For those who can’t attend in person, Formula E offers global viewing options on free-to-air broadcasts, streaming platforms like Paramount Plus, sports channels such as CBS, and digital platforms like YouTube and the Formula E app, with regional options tailored for countries like Canada, Brazil, and Japan.

The future of motorsports.

Founded 11 years ago, Formula E set out to prove electric vehicles could rival gas-powered motorsport—and it has succeeded. Described by CEO Jeff Dodds as “state-of-the-art technology with a social conscience,” the series combines cutting-edge GEN3 cars with a net-zero footprint from day one. Committed to inclusivity and diversity, Formula E connects with fans through creators, immersive race-day festivals, driver access, and celebratory concerts. Blending innovation, sustainability, and thrilling competition, Formula E offers a glimpse into motorsport’s future, proving that racing can be both electrifying and impactful, on and off the track.


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