Only one German brand remains
Formula E loses its most important argument
01/27/2022, 7:44 p.m
If Mercedes exits at the end of the coming season, there will only be one German manufacturer left in Formula E. The ambitiously launched series is no longer unique. Not the only reason why Formula 1 is becoming more attractive again in comparison.
It should be world domination, at least something like that. When the young Formula E was really flourishing a few years ago, the promoter also set his sights on the big Formula 1. Alejandro Agag said at the time that his electric racing series would eventually “be the main discipline in motorsport”. That was almost five years ago, and today, in spring 2022, Formula E is still quite young. The eighth season starts this Friday and Saturday in Saudi Arabia – but the spirit of optimism of the past has subsided. And the path to a purely electric racing future is no longer so clearly mapped out.
Because Formula E has lost a lot of its exclusive character: word has long got around that sustainability is also a pretty good idea in motorsport. Formula 1 in particular is once again promising to attract the big brands. From 2026, the electric component in the hybrid system will be increased significantly, it will then be equivalent to the combustion engine, and this should be operated with 100 percent sustainable fuel.
These changes reflect “a clear technical roadmap and a clear commitment to a sustainable future,” says Audi, the Ingolstadt-based company is still “in intensive talks about the future realignment of Formula 1”.
“Series that never really reached the fans”
Formula E, on the other hand, is already a thing of the past for Audi, BMW has also pulled out again, world champion Mercedes is starting its last season – and Porsche is tied until 2024. For weeks and months, Formula 1 has been hoping for a “yes” from the two Volkswagen brands Audi and Porsche from 2026, the chances are pretty good. Even if a decision is still pending. It is important to “conclusively evaluate a wide range of sporting, technical and financial factors,” says Audi.
A decision for Formula 1 would be an expensive one, one that has to be made by the group board. But it is also an extremely attractive option. The premier class is “a series that is very interesting in terms of PR and marketing values,” said Porsche Motorsport Director Thomas Laudenbach recently at “Auto Bild Motorsport”.
And this is exactly where a core problem of Formula E lies. The former head of motorsport at BMW, Markus Flasch, described it particularly clearly last year. “There are series in the world that are electric and in which everyone drives, but they never really reached the fans,” he said: “We learned from that: We don’t run after an idea like lemmings.”
The starting field of Formula E is still well-known this year, alongside Mercedes and Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan are also there. At the start of the new, faster vehicle generation from 2023, Maserati will also be on board. Formula E wants to keep its place in motorsport – but the lead it once had as an electric pioneer is gone.