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Formula 1 vs Formula E: Comparing two racing giants
One focuses on speed and tradition, the other on sustainability without losing sight of innovation. Together, both continue to drive the future of motorsport.
In the world of motorsport, Formula 1 and Formula E stand as two pillars that represent the past, present, and future of racing. Formula 1, with its rich history, has long been the benchmark for high-speed, high-stakes sport. The Red Bull Energy Station at the Las Vegas Grand Prix is a prime example of the top-class, dazzling spectacle that keep Formula 1 fans coming back for more.
Fans watch Sergio Perez at the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas in 2023
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Racing fans now also have the chance to experience the buzzing world of Formula E, a newcomer on the motorsport scene. This relatively new discipline pushes the boundaries of electric vehicle racing and sustainability. As motorsport evolves, understanding the differences — and similarities — between these two racing series is more important than ever. Both series offer fans something unique, but how do they both stack up?
01
The history and evolution of Formula 1 and Formula E
The story of Formula 1 officially began in 1950, nearly five decades after the first Grand Prix race in 1906. Early Formula 1 racing was full of daring spectacles and intense rivalries between star drivers like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
Over the decades, race car design and engineering have played a central role in the history and evolution of Formula 1. Ground effects, an aerodynamic technique that kept cars closer to the track and made it easier for drivers to overtake their competitors, made its debut in the '70s. The turbocharged engines of the '80s drastically increased speed, whereas the '90s brought Formula 1 into the digital age, which continues today with advancements like aerodynamic enhancement and hybrid power unit (HPU) engines.
Formula E is the flagship of electric racing
© Formula E
Formula E, on the other hand, debuted in 2014 as the world’s first fully electric racing championship. Formula E’s arrival proved that green-friendly competition won’t dampen the thrill of high-stakes racing. Battery advancements and electric powertrain improvements are the driving force behind Formula E’s eco-friendly, lightning-fast race car designs.
02
Technology and innovation
Formula 1 advancements
The heart of modern Formula 1 engineering lies in hybrid racing cars. The engines combine the power of a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE), an energy recovery system (ERS), and motor generator units. These systems work together to provide electrical power from the brakes and heat of the exhaust, giving drivers extra acceleration and horsepower.
Sergio "Checo" Pérez races at the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship
© Philip Platzer / Red Bull Ring
Formula 1 cars also have drag reduction systems (DRS) that allow drivers to overtake others more easily. The open flap on the car’s rear wing optimizes aerodynamics, increasing speeds by as much as 10 mph. Sounds like a racer’s dream, right? However, drivers can only use DRS in approved areas, known as DRS zones, on the track.
These innovations make Formula 1 cars among the fastest on the planet, but they also come with environmental challenges. Engineers have worked to alleviate this burden by making engine improvements that improve fuel efficiency. Currently, F1 cars have turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engines that minimize fuel waste.
Formula E technological moves
Where Formula 1 pros focus on fuel efficiency, Formula E engineers focus on electric powertrains and battery advancements. Notably, every Formula E car is required to use the same chassis design, built by Spark Racing Technologies. This is also essential to how Formula E seasons are classified. Each chassis structure is categorized as its own car generation, called a GEN. When a new, more advanced car is released, the next GEN begins.
Formula E is the best-known electric series
© Audi
The first four Formula E seasons were known as the GEN1 era, during which technological improvements ramped up significantly. Car swaps were necessary during the GEN1 era, as cars didn’t have enough battery power to get through an entire race. By season two, teams were allowed to design their own motors, gearboxes, rear suspension, and inverters. GEN1 cars received a makeover in season three, with the introduction of a front wing and brand-new nose design.
Formula E got an extra jolt of power in GEN2 (seasons five through eight), with a 250kW lightweight battery that could support speeds up to 174mph (280 km/h). This improvement meant that car swaps were no longer necessary.
GEN3, Formula E’s current iteration, kicked off in season nine. The electric beasts driven in this season have two powertrains and regenerative braking, which produces more than 40 percent of the energy used in a race.
03
Racing format and regulations
Formula 1: Navigating regulations and challenging tracks
Formula 1 cars must meet regulations specifying a vehicle's minimum weight, rear view mirror size, and fuel usage. These rules are meant to level the playing field on every track, whether it’s Red Bull Formula Nürburgring or the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Sebastian Vettel and David Coulthard at Red Bull Formula Nürburgring 2023
© Gruppe C GmbH / Red Bull Content Pool
Although each track varies in length, from the Silverstone circuit in England to the Red Bull Ring in Austria, the goal is to zoom through as many laps as it takes to reach 190 miles (305 km). The famed Circuit De Monaco is the one exception. Since the famous track is particularly tight and winding, competitors only race until they hit about 161 miles (260 km).
There’s no set number of Formula 1 races per season, but the number of events each year seems to climb with each passing season. Each Formula 1 weekend event encompasses five racing sessions. The weekend format spans three days and includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, sprint events, and the main attraction — the Grand Prix race.
Formula E: Racing to the finish line
Similar to Formula 1, Formula E sets standards for their vehicles. Aside from all cars using the same chassis, all cars must use the same 18-inch tires from Hankook and batteries from Williams. Teams are allowed to develop their own powertrains, and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) may set limits on energy levels.
The race format in Formula E is more condensed than Formula 1. Race day consists of quick 30-minute practices on Friday and Saturday, followed by qualifying rounds. First, two groups of 11 drivers face off. Only the fastest four in each 10-minute session move on to the next round until one winner receives the best grid slot. The rest line up for the race in their position, determined by how each driver placed during qualifying.
The E-Prix is the one-shot for drivers to prove they’re the fastest. To make events more competitive, Formula E introduced Attack Mode. In Attack Mode, drivers can take a slower run through a special area of the track called the Activation Zone in exchange for an extra 50kW boost of power.
When a race doesn’t last its typical single day, they’re labeled as double-headers. If that’s the case, racers only get one 45-minute practice on the second day.
04
The Formula 1 and Formula E fan experiences
Max Verstappen at the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium in 2024
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
The spectator experience is a key element in both Formula 1 and Formula E, drawing viewers on TV, online, and in person.
Formula 1 clocked 70 million TV viewers globally in 2022, while more than six million fans flocked to the stands to watch their favorite motorsport in action. The Formula 1 2024 season is projected to draw similar ticket sale numbers.
The Formula E audience is gaining ground in its own right, with an approximate 84 million TV viewers globally tuning in to the first four races of the 2024 season. The FIA has made significant investments into its fanbase, creating immersive fan experiences and delivering in-race and driver analytics during competitions. For fans attending in person, it’s not just about the race itself. They can get autographs from their racing idols at meet-and-greets, or test their own skills in racing simulators.
Formula E Monaco ePrix
© LAT Images/Jaguar Racing via Getty Images
Formula 1 is just as committed to delivering rewarding fan experiences. Fans with certain ticket packages can enjoy pit lane walks, guided track tours, behind-the-scenes access to the F1 Paddock or team garages, and post-race podium celebration access. From the roar of the engines to the thrill of the race, Formula 1 takes racing fan engagement to a grand scale.
05
Performance and competitiveness
When comparing performance, Formula 1 cars are currently unrivaled in speed and engineering precision. While Formula E’s battery-powered vehicles can gain incredible speeds, they’re still no match for the more powerful Formula E engine.
The hybrid systems in Formula 1 racing are designed to extract maximum performance, resulting in top speeds that Formula E’s electric vehicles simply can’t match. Plus, Formula 1 races up the stakes with extra overtaking, aided by DRS. However, Formula E cars excel in energy efficiency and handling on tight, technical street circuits.
The excitement in Formula E comes from the unpredictability of the race, and seeing how each team works tackles the same technological constraints. Part of the fun is also about seeing the latest and greatest in Formula E car design.
06
Formula 1 and Formula E: the future of these races
Motorsport future trends suggest sustainability is set to be a priority for both Formula 1 and Formula E. Formula 1 is aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions organization-wide by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, Formula 1 cars will be required to use 100% sustainable fuels by 2026. The cars will also be required to be 66 pounds (30 kg) lighter with active aerodynamics to achieve minimal drag, which will help minimize fuel consumption and maximize cornering performance.
Formula E, meanwhile, is at the forefront of motorsport sustainability efforts. As electric vehicle racing becomes more popular, Formula E is setting the standard for what a sustainable motorsport series can look like. Formula E is testing the possibility of a 30-second recharge at 600kW, charging speeds nearly double the standard ultra-rapid car charger of 350kW. This could result in a gain of up to 10 percent more racing distance. The goal is to begin testing these chargers starting in 2026, as part of GEN4.
The road ahead for Formula 1 and Formula E
Formula 1 and Formula E each bring their own strengths to the table. Formula 1 represents the pinnacle of performance, engineering, and tradition, while Formula E is geared toward a future that’s sustainable but no less exciting than the original. For racing fans, both offer something truly exciting and engaging. Whether a fan is drawn to the history and speed of Formula 1 or is fascinated by the innovations in Formula E, motorsport evolution continues to top itself each and every year.
