Can Formula E ever match F1's popularity?

Lily Howard
Apr 2
3 min read

Written by Lily Howard, Edited by Gabriel Tsui

Formula E is the highest class of electrically powered single-seater racing. Built on the foundation of innovation, it has been Net Zero since the series’ conception in 2014. In contrast, Formula 1 relies on hybrid powered engines, and is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the 2025 season.

Due to increasing environmental concerns, stricter regulations, and a shift in general attitudes towards climate change, sustainability is becoming a major factor within the motorsports world.

While Formula E is introduced to the industry under the global consensus for motorsport to become more environmentally friendly due to emissions from the cars and the travelling, it also serves as a testing ground for future road care technology.

Manufacturers like Jaguar and Nissan are taking what they developed for their cars in Formula E and mirroring it on their road cars, as part of their mission for sustainability.

Whilst Formula E is extremely competitive due to the standardised car components of each racer, F1’s technical freedom and therefore dominance by top teams appears to still be the most popular amongst fans. The question is: Can Formula E ever match Formula One’s popularity?

Formula E was built on a foundation of sustainability, pushing boundaries with its fully electric cars, street circuit tracks, and renewable energy initiatives. As mentioned before, the championship has attracted major manufacturers in developing their electric vehicle (EV) technology.

The series’ devotion to reducing environmental impacts is also reflected in operations, logistics and fan engagement, allowing it to align with the global standards of greener operation strategies. With this, it earns the title of being an innovative and future-forward racing series.

Yet, despite the progress of Formula E, F1 still remains at the top of global motorsport. It is a spectacle of speed and legacy, backed by decades of history with its competition and rivalries. Not only is it the most popular racing event, but it further reaches the most popular yearly sporting series with a total audience of 750 million, according to a study by Nielsen Sports.

Although F1 isn’t ignoring sustainability, as it has introduced hybrid engines and net-zero targets by 2030, it still is far off Formula E’s achievements.

As for Formula E, one of its strengths for higher engagement is its competitive nature. Whereas in F1, dominant teams like Red Bull and Mercedes often dominate due to the large differences in car development, Formula E operates under a level playing field, with standardised car components, meaning that there are only a handful of parts that teams can develop, such as the powertrain.

Therefore, no single team has overwhelming advantages, resulting in unpredictable results and multiple championship contenders every season. This structure makes the competition more reliant on skill and strategy than the car itself.

The racing experience of Formula E has improved, with the introduction of Gen3 cars that are capable of 200 mph has increased the excitement. However, aspects such as only using street circuits limit overtaking, and it is an issue that the series needs to find a solution to, in order to truly rival F1.

The green revolution of Formula E is undeniable, and with younger generations valuing sustainability, it could work in its favour. Even if Formula E never overtakes the popularity of F1, the future may see both series coexisting: one holding the history of motorsport and the other building on the sport’s electric innovations.