Formula E Racing: Everything You Need to Know about Recent Shake-ups
Manufacturers are flocking to Formula E. Here are five reasons why.
If you’re a fan of motorsports, chances are your head is spinning after the last couple of weeks. Mostly because Porsche became the latest manufacturer to opt out of the World Endurance Championship’s LMP1 class. This wasn’t exactly earth shattering news, of course, despite the headlines. After all, Porsche had previously announced their intentions to leave after the 2018 season.
Still, the automotive racing landscape has changed dramatically in a very short period of time. And you can mostly thank Formula E for that. Porsche’s entry into the all-electric racing series is just the latest in a series of defections among major manufacturers. What makes it shocking, of course, is that Porsche leaves behind a history of tremendous success in LMP1.
Despite the fact that LMP1 racing might now appear doomed, it’s hard to believe that Formula E is an absolute replacement. Yet there are several compelling reasons why automakers like Porsche are choosing to defect. And believe it or not, the unique format creates some benefits for racing fans as well. So let’s take a look at the driving forces behind these recent shake-ups.
Electric Car Development Is Critical for Automakers
If you haven’t heard, electric cars are becoming more and more popular. Stricter emissions standards are forcing automakers to balance out their lineups. And even though gas powered vehicles aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, automakers know they need to develop electric cars that work, plain and simple. The best way to do that? Go racing.
Just as LMP1 has helped automakers produce better hybrid vehicles, Formula E allows them to develop all-electric drivetrains. That’s especially important to Porsche as they ready the Mission E for market. But Audi, Mercedes, and Jaguar are also preparing to launch various EVs. And unsurprisingly, all of them are headed to Formula E.
Formula E Is Cheaper Than Le Mans or Formula One
Formula E is a little different than other racing series in that all manufacturers use the same car and battery pack designs. Which, coincidentally, represent the biggest research and development costs for a racing team. Other cost savings come from tire restrictions and limits on the number of technical staff members teams are allowed to bring along. Considering the fact that Le Mans racing is rumored to cost hundreds of millions per year, these factors aren’t insignificant.
Formula E Competes in Places Where Other Series Can’t
Formula E racing takes place on temporary street circuits, many of them in city centers like New York. No other series can do that, mostly because of noise. Plus, Formula E cars are heavier than traditional open-wheeled race cars. Which means they’re a great fit for tight courses, as they can’t achieve the speeds of those cars (right now) anyway.
The Racing Itself Is Still Excellent
With a pretty level playing field, Formula E has already given us some exciting races to watch. At a recent ePrix in New York City, a sold out crowd of 20,000 fans packed in to watch drivers do battle. And as you can see, they put on a heck of a show.
It’s More Accessible for Fans
Obviously, the fact that fans don’t have to travel to remote race tracks to watch Formula E is a huge benefit. And it’s a big part of the reason why so many folks showed up in New York. After all, who wouldn’t want to watch some great racing action in their own backyard?
Obviously, Formula E has its downfalls. Namely lack of absolute speed, cookie cutter cars, and the absence of those delicious internal combustion engine noises. It also doesn’t present the level of technical challenge for manufacturers that traditional racing does. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t embrace it. Nor does it mean racing fans should ignore it, either.
