Formula E, officially known as the ABB FIA Formula E Championship, is a single-seater motorsport championship for electric cars and it’s the first single-seater racing series outside of Formula One to be given world championship status, which it achieved in the 2020-21 season. As one of the fastest growing motorsport series on the planet, Formula E’s mission is to race through the streets of the most iconic cities in the world and show what sustainable mobility is capable of in achieving a cleaner future.
With the world focusing more and more on the importance of sustainability and the need to protect the environment, Formula E is becoming one of the greatest championships in motorsport. Some of the biggest car manufacturers in the world have developed cars in the Formula E series including Audi Sport, Jaguar, Mercedes-EQ, Porsche, BMW-AG and Nissan.
The concept of electric motorcar racing was conceived by Jean Todt who is the president of the motorsport world governing body (the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile).
Twelve teams have two drivers each. Electric-powered race cars are the main feature of the sport that takes place on temporary city-centre street circuits, spanning 1.2 to 2.1 miles long. Two practice sessions take place on the morning of the main race, with the qualifying session taking place later in the day where full power output is free to be used, totalling 250kW.
The 2022 Formula E Season in in full swing and is set to be another thrilling and action-packed year. Sixteen races will take place in some of the most iconic locations across the globe, from Vancouver and New York to Monaco and London located right on our doorstep.
Formula E will return to the capital for the London E-Prix in 2022 from Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 July 2022. The all-electric cars will race round the historical heartland of East London’s docklands. The unique track weaves inside and outside of the ExCeL London which we’re sure will be surrounded by a sensational buzzing atmosphere. The circuit attracts great attention thanks to the car’s emission-free nature, making it a first for top-level international motorsport.
What’s happened in the season so far?
Formula E allows team to develop their software throughout the season, allowing for even more excitement and opens up great opportunities for all teams. Mercedes were the champions in 2021, while Jaguar narrowing missed out of the title. But can they do it again in 2022?
One big change in 2022 was focused on Lucas di Grassi, a tactically aware big character in the series, who was forced to move teams from driving for ABT and Audi, to now driving for Venturi alongside Edoardo Mortara. Another big change to the season is for Porsche, who are the new suppliers of the safety car in 2022 rather than the previous suppliers BMW, and the electric racers will now run behind a Porsche Taycan under caution.
The first race of the 2022 season started in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia and it was 2021 champion Nyck de Vries from Mercedes who came out on top, and teammate Stoffel Van Doorne in second. It was two top spots for the Tag Heuer Porsche team in Mexico City for Pascal Wehrlein and Andre, and a Jaguar win for R4 and R5 in Rome for Mitch Evans, and most recently in Monaco, Stoffel Van Doorne. It’s already shaping up to be an exciting and close season!
Let's get the low down with Jake Humphrey
Jake Humphrey is a legendary sports television presenter and radio broadcaster, best known for Champions league and Premier League football on BT Sport. Jake has previously presented coverage for the Formula 1 Grand Prix on the BBC, and is now sharing his thoughts with us on Formula E. Take a look below.
Jake, with the Formula E season in full swing, who do you think out of the Brits is going to come out on top this year? Jake Dennis was so close last year, do you think he stands a chance?
It's great to see so many drivers flying the British flag. I think that Jake will be up there again. You can never write off Sam Bird, and I know Alexander Sims well. He's such a reliable and consistent driver and I'd love him and Mahindra to do something special this year. They will all love the chance to impress in front of the home crowd. The two Olivers, Turvey and Rowland are also supremely talented drivers. It's great there are 5 Brits in the pack to give us a good chance of home success.
What did you think of the London race in 2021?
I love the intensity of Formula E and seeing the cars racing round the Excel is thrilling. There were several collisions and penalties given for contact at London 2021- which always makes for interesting viewing. The double hairpin switchback was certainly tight, but I think that they are looking to tweak that for this year's race. I felt for Alex Lynn not being able to convert pole into the win, especially after no British E-Prix since 2016. It's always nice to have a Brit win on home turf and Dennis was the most effective driver in London last year - his confidence and mindset left him unflappable, and he deserved the win.
Do you have a favourite circuit on the Formula E calendar?
Rome - and I know I'm not alone. The drivers love how wide it is in places which encourages risk taking, and giving a late brake overtake a go. I haven't been there live, but I enjoy watching on TV. Plus, it's a beautiful mix of parkland and interesting architecture, Formula E have created some amazing race locations.
With Stoffel Van Doorne the only recognisable ex-F1 driver on the grid this year, can you see the likes of the recently retired Kimi Raikkonen or any F1 drivers making the move to e-prix any time soon?
I think that as Formula E continues to rise in popularity (TV audience figures increased by over 30% in 2021), it will always be an appealing option for some of the F1 drivers. We actually have 6 ex-F1 drivers on the grid this season, including guys who have been signed to the biggest teams in their careers. It's the most talented grid in motorsport, after F1.
Are you looking forward to the unveiling in Monaco of the new Gen3 car which FIA President Jean Todt has described as “a machine created at the intersection of high performance, efficiency and sustainability”?
I always love the unveiling of a new car and am really looking forward to seeing the covers come off in Monaco. It is an exciting time for the whole Formula E community and the rapidity with which electric vehicles are developing is just mind-blowing. The designers and engineers are really pushing boundaries once more, as they have since Formula E's inception. The cars have consistently led the way in terms of design direction.
The London E-Prix will see unmissable action in 2022. Discover our hospitality experiences for the London E-Prix and get the ultimate exclusive experience in the Boss Emotion Club. From fine dining to live entertainment, celebrity guests and unparalleled views of all the racing action, you can be sure to enjoy some of the best seats in the house at such an exciting sporting event. Click here for the full package details.
