Racing in the Future: Formula 1 or Formula E

The world is changing, and so is the sport of motor racing. For the past decade since the introduction of Formula E, it has been on the cutting edge of racing. From an environmental standpoint, Formula E is pushing the sport towards environmental responsibility. Many ask what are the biggest differences and similarities between Formula 1 and Formula E?

Formula 1 History

Formula 1 (F1) is still considered the pinnacle of the motorsport world. The sheer history of competition far outweighs Formula E’s. Since its founding in 1950, F1 has thrilled fans from around the world. Some of the most talented drivers in the history of the sport have won the F1 Drivers’ Championship. Many of these racers have become household names. Michael Schumacher remains one of the most famous stars produced in F1. Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton is raising the bar even higher.  Hamilton has had a profound impact on the sport’s success. As well as dominating on the track, Hamilton has also been an important voice for diversity in the sport. His voice has also been instrumental in the growing demand for the sport to become carbon neutral.

Formula E History

Formula E (FE) is still very much in its infancy. Founded in 2011 by  Jean Todt and Alejandra Agag. The first season took place in 2014-15. It is no surprise that the idea was a hit and has evolved into a worldwide sport. Emphasis on making racing more environmentally friendly is a key selling point.

The key aim of Formula E is to reduce the carbon-dioxide emissions. They are also keen to introduce new fans to the world of motorsport. Slick and stylish cars running on electric powertrains have been successful in both.

In the 2020-21 season the FE made history when the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) recognized the league’s level to be World Championship standard. Now FE is the only single-seat racing series aside from Formula 1 to meet the FIA standard.

The popularity of the sport is increasing with each season. Currently there are 12 teams fighting for their place at the top of the Constructors’ Championship. The league is not content to sit on their laurels. Further developments have been made to make the sport more entertaining. Recently the introduction of Attack Mode gives advantage to certain drivers. Gaining an extra 25kW worth of power adds a new wrinkle to the race. The reigning champion is Nyck de Vries. Driving for Mercedes-EQ he won the Drivers’ Championship at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.

Success Of F1 & FE in the Middle East

One of the key markets for both Formula E and Formula 1 has been the Middle East. Both have included key races in that area of the world throughout their histories. Formula E hosts two races in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of their season. The Riyadh Street Circuit plays host. Saudi Arabia has also recently joined the Formula 1 Grand Prix schedule. Given the number of fans, it seems like a good plan.

F1 already has a history in the region outside of Saudi Arabia. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Qatar Grand Prix will continue to take place on a recurring basis.  The success of the sport has led to a growing number of Middle Eastern Formula 1 betting websites. Fans of the sport look to make wagers on the action throughout the season.

Biggest Differences Between F1 & FE

There are many differences between the two codes of motorsport. Most obvious, the cars that the drivers compete in. Formula 1 is working hard to become one of the best sports for the environment, but FE has them beat at this point. FE has already used electric cars and other measures to reduce carbon footprints. That difference in fuel also makes for a stark difference in speeds. F1 cars are much faster than their FE counterparts, as they can reach highs of 374 km/h. Meanwhile, FE cars reach a high of 280 km/h.

The audience that watches the two sports is also different. FE has become far more popular with younger fans that are getting interested in the sport for the first time. Meanwhile, the average age of fans of F1 is relatively high. Despite this, the number of bright young stars in F1 over recent seasons is hopeful for the sport. Younger drivers help bring fresh fans to the league.

The Finish Line

There are many differences between F1 and FE. In the end, they are both moving the motorsports in the right direction. Fans that watch one will likely enjoy what they see with the other. Only a few differences in fuels separating the sports. It’s unlikely that the success of one is going to hinder the other for now. They can both live in unison until the internal combustion engine goes the way of the dodo.