Imagine the energy of a music festival combined with the adrenaline of a futuristic street race. Formula E is where F1 and Tron meet with a little Lollapalooza, powered by innovative electric vehicle technology and a mission to revolutionize the concept of sustainability. When I attended my first Formula E event in the colorful chaos of Mexico City, I saw firsthand why this E-Prix is one of the most dynamic, fast, and fan-friendly motorsports in the world.
Sa mundo ng open-wheel, single-seater racing, ang Formula 1 In the world of open-wheel, single-seater racing, Formula 1 reigns supreme, but Formula E is slowly building its own legacy. While F1 is full of glamour, global icons and a century of prestige, Formula E brings a new narrative, combining high drama and innovation. While viewership has grown in key markets, particularly at 45% in Germany and 30% in the USA, Formula E's 374 million global fanbase has established itself as the world's fourth largest motorsport, and continues to whiten the gap from F1's 750 million audience. 45% sa Germany at 30% sa USA, ang 374 milyong global fanbase ng Formula E ay napatunayan ang sarili bilang ika-apat na pinakamalaking motorsport sa buong mundo, at patuloy na pina-puti ang agwat mula sa 750 milyong audience ng F1.
The competition on the track is fierce. Manufacturers such as McLaren, Jaguar, Maserati, Porsche, Nissan, and BMW have invested in the series, sending world-class teams to battle for EV supremacy. While F1 has global superstars—Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and Charles Leclerc—Formula E is focused on innovation and collective excellence. But make no mistake, FE drivers like current champion Pascal Wehrlein, Mitch Evans, and Jake Dennis are certified track studs with impressive pedigrees and rapidly growing fanbases.
“We have some of the best drivers on the planet,” Jaguar Team Principal James Barclay told Hypebeast, citing the efficiency and adaptability required in Formula E. With overtakes reaching 197–403 per race compared to few 50, the action is non-stop. The excitement includes features like four-wheel drive, all-weather tires, reduced downforce, and smaller vehicles, but it's the Attack Mode that makes the attention-grabbing. Think of it as a real Mario Kart power-up: drivers deviate from the ideal racing line to go through the boost pad, which accelerates their car from 300kW to 350kW. A high-stakes gamble, trading track position for a perfectly timed burst of speed, the outcome of which can change a race—or leave them back at the start.
Three main pillars of FE—motorsport, technology, and sustainability.
Formula E's sustainability ethos is also revolutionary, earning recognition as the most sustainable sport in the world. From becoming “net zero from Day Zero” to reducing freight carbon emissions by 41%, Formula E powers events with renewable energy and uses sustainable aviation fuel to reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts connect with a young, diverse audience—half of its fans are under 40, and the male-to-female ratio is balanced at 50/50. With races held in city centers, partnerships with forward-thinking companies, and a relentless drive for innovation, Formula E is the best example of the future of racing.
Rebolusyonaryo rin ang sustainability ethos ng Formula E, na nagkamit ng pagkilala bilang pinakamost sustainable na sport sa buong mundo. Mula sa pagiging “net zero mula sa Day Zero” hanggang sa pagbawas ng carbon emissions ng freight ng 41%, pinapalakas ng Formula E ang mga event gamit ang renewable energy at gumagamit ng sustainable aviation fuel upang mabawasan ang carbon footprint nito. Ang mga pagsusumikap na ito ay kumokonekta sa isang batang, diverse na audience—kalahati ng mga fans nito ay nasa ilalim ng 40, at ang male-to-female ratio ay balanse sa 50/50. Sa mga karerang isinasagawa sa mga city centers, mga pakikipagtulungan sa mga forward-thinking na kumpanya, at ang walang sawang drive para sa inobasyon, ang Formula E ang pinakamagandang halimbawa ng hinaharap ng racing.
Partnerships with creators and the push for diversity and inclusion.
At the heart of this mission is an unwavering commitment to diversity and accessibility. Norman sees Formula E as “the most inclusive sport in the world,” and initiatives like “Girls on Track” are breaking down barriers for young women to enter motorsport. Initiatives like the women's test in Madrid and collaborations with tech innovators exploring simulator technology are paving the way for a more diverse grid. By prioritizing bold ideas and inclusive opportunities, the series ushers in an era eager for progress, setting the standard for what racing should look like: authentic, innovative, and open to all.
Sa puso ng misyon na ito ang isang hindi matitinag na commitment sa diversity at accessibility. Nakikita ni Norman ang Formula E bilang “pinakamost inclusive na sport sa mundo,” at mga hakbang tulad ng “Girls on Track” ay binabasag ang mga hadlang para sa mga kabataang kababaihan na pumasok sa motorsport. Ang mga inisyatibo tulad ng women's test sa Madrid at mga pakikipagtulungan sa mga tech innovators na nag-eexplore ng simulator technology ay nagbubukas ng daan para sa isang mas diverse na grid. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay-priyoridad sa mga matapang na ideya at inklusibong oportunidad, ang serye ay nag-uumpisa ng isang era na sabik para sa progreso, nagtatakda ng standard para sa kung anong hitsura ng racing: autentiko, makabago, at bukas sa lahat.
Race day vibes.
Race day in Formula E is a whirlwind of energy and excitement. I arrived at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez early and joined the fans full of anticipation. The festival-like atmosphere features brand activations, racing simulators, and giveaways, while the exclusive Emotion Club offers a VIP experience with world-class food—gourmet tacos, lamb chops, and desserts—all is accompanied by stunning views of the track.
Between sessions, I wandered through the fan village, where spectators approached the drivers for autographs and selfies. Before the qualifiers, I took part in the Electric Lap, witnessing the thrill of Formula E's cutting-edge speed with a BYD EV. Unlike F1's three-day schedule, Formula E combines practice, qualifying and races into one action-packed day, providing maximum value to fans. Driver Nick Cassidy described it best: “Mexico City is one of those tracks where you arrive, the place is packed, and it creates a real buzz.” After the race, the drivers interacted with fans in the media pen at the center of the fan village, before the day ended with an energetic concert.
Between sessions, I wandered through the fan village, where spectators approached the drivers for autographs and selfies. Before the qualifiers, I took part in the Electric Lap, witnessing the thrill of Formula E's cutting-edge speed with a BYD EV. Unlike F1's three-day schedule, Formula E combines practice, qualifying and races into one action-packed day, providing maximum value to fans. Driver Nick Cassidy described it best: “Mexico City is one of those tracks where you arrive, the place is packed, and it creates a real buzz.” After the race, the drivers interacted with fans in the media pen at the center of the fan village, before the day ended with an energetic concert.
The future of motorsports.
Founded 11 years ago, Formula E aimed to prove that electric vehicles could keep up with gas-powered motorsport—and it succeeded. CEO Jeff Dodds described Formula E as “state-of-the-art technology with a social conscience,” combining the innovation of GEN3 vehicles and a net-zero footprint from day one. Focused on inclusivity and diversity, Formula E connects with fans through creators, immersive race-day festivals, driver access, and celebratory concerts. Combining innovation, sustainability and exhilarating competition, Formula E offers a glimpse into the future of motorsports, showing that racing can be both electrifying and impactful, on and off the track.
