The move from petrol-powered engines to electric is accelerating at a fast pace, but does that mean that Formula 1 will eventually be replaced by Formula E?

Formula E was conceived in 2011 by then FIA president Jean Todt and its first championship kicked off in Beijing in September 2014. The series has been the premier championship for electric vehicles and gained FIA World Championship status for the 2020/21 season – making it the first single-seater racing series outside of Formula 1 to be given the status.

The series has grown in popularity over its short history, carried by major television broadcasters around the world, and sees recognisable names from Formula 1 competing. This coming season, every team must field a driver with no previous Formula E experience in the first practice session in at least two races – this is to provide up-and-coming drivers with an opportunity.

So, it is clear that Formula E is future-proof, but will it one day replace the juggernaut that is Formula 1? Probably not, at least not anytime soon.

Why Formula E Shouldn’t Focus on Replacing Formula 1

As good as Formula E is and can be, there will always be a section of motorsport fans that will never turn away from Formula 1. The series has history on its side and has always been regarded as the pinnacle for any driver to compete in. Formula E is still a fledgling series.

Formula E was never intended to replace Formula 1. It’s main goal is to “operate as a testbed to push the development of new technologies needed for an electric, low-carbon future” (as per the Formula E mission statement).

If anything, Formula E’s progress is intended to teach Formula 1 what is possible with more sustainable technology. The two series will likely always co-exist as separate series, with drivers competing for trophies in both electric and petrol-powered engines, for as long as they both remain successful.

Formula E and Formulas 2 and 3

Formula E is not a feeder series to Formula 1, whereas Formula 2 and Formula 3 are – the clue is very much in the name. Formula E had its own set of feeder/support series – first, the FE School Series, then the Roborace, and then the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy – all of which are now discontinued.

Formula 2 and Formula 3 utilise cars that are similar to those used in the premier series, i.e. petrol-powered engines, but much less powerful. Formula E cars, because of their technical makeup, are not the same as Formula 1 cars. They are not as fast or powerful, though this gap is closing. The latest generation of Formula E cars has a maximum speed of 280km/h, compared to just over 300km/h in a Formula 1 car.

That being said, there are plenty of examples of drivers to have competed in both Formula E and Formula 1, though mostly going from Formula 1 to Formula E. Such names in that list include Sebastien Buemi, Lucas di Grassi, Jacques Villeneuve, and Felipe Massa. Pierre Gasly made two race appearances in Formula E in 2017 at the New York ePrix, filling in for Buemi, before making his Formula 1 debut for Toro Rosso later that year.

Enjoy Formula E and Formula 1

If you are a lover of motorsport, then the best thing is to enjoy both series for what they are. As already mentioned above, for most, Formula 1 will always be number one as it has been around since the 1950s.

Formula E offers a new brand of motor racing that is exciting in its own right, both for its on-the-track action and technical brilliance.