The reason Formula E is expanding so quickly
Formula E has shocked the world, will this threaten already established motorsport series?
Formula E has taken the motorsport world by storm, but were we expecting anything else? Clearly, there are reasons why big manufacturers have joined the all electric series, from environmental incentives to technology development. But why has it grown so fast?
For years Formula 1 and other series have had tracks far from city centers, this has made it difficult for fans to make the trip. The tickets for such high level events are already expensive enough, so the added transportation costs can deter many fans. Formula E has solved that problem, the series is heavily revolved around street circuits. This makes it extremely easy to access, you can take a subway to see the race and be home before you know it. This season, Formula E had a race in New York City. Having a race in such a large hub was great exposure for the sport and really proved that they can go anywhere.
Another large reason why these races can be held in city centers is the noise. This is one of the big reasons motorsport fans have had negative reactions to the series, including myself. However, having no noise distracting the daily lives of people in the city adds numerous benefits to the sport. You can have this large racing event without disturbing much other than traffic, something other motorsport series fail to do when in a city. All of this is topped off with the action, the series still retains all the racing action fans deserve and want.
Rivalries have already begun and incidents during the races are just as common as in other series. Speed is a concern when talking about electric cars, but these cars are still reaching some pretty impressive speeds, especially on street circuits. The issue?
For most motorsport fans, it is the smell of burning tires and fuel that adds a dynamic to the sport that Formula E will never have. Yes, the noise is something everyone loves but clearly fans have gotten over that. Smell is strongly linked to memory and experiences, so can Formula E solve this problem? No, but they don’t need to. The series attracts a whole new fan base, a group that has a big interest in technology itself, not just the racing. Formula 1 has some extraordinary technology but it still isn’t the kind of tech lots of young fans are interested in.
All of these factors have provided a market for Formula E that has grown like a wild fire, big manufacturers are dropping other projects left and right to join. Sponsors are lining up to get in as well which is great for teams and development efforts. Speaking from the view of a motorsport fan, Formula E is pretty interesting. However, it will never take my attention away from the established series that first pulled on my heart strings like Formula 1.
