Formula 1 and Formula E were both founded by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobiles - the FIA. Formula 1 officially started in 1950, however there were races starting in the 20s that influenced the creation of the championship. Formula E is the newest edition, having its first season in 2014. Due to both being founded by the same governing body, there are quite a few similarities, which can make it hard for new fans of motorsports to distinguish between the two.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge the significant step that both Formula 1 and Formula E are taking towards being environmentally mindful and responsible, working towards sustainability in motorsport. At this moment, Formula 1 cars are hybrid, while making a conscious effort to have net 0 carbon emissions by 2030. Formula E cars run solely on electricity, thus eliminating their carbon footprint in this area of the sport.
The Championship:
One of the most obvious differences besides the look of the Formula 1 and Formula E cars, are the difference in number of teams. In both Formula 1 and Formula E for each team there are two drivers; in F1 there are 10 teams and 20 drivers and in Formula E there are 12 teams and 24 drivers.
Both Formula 1 and Formula E have two championships: the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship. Points are awarded based on finishing position of each race, with only the top 10 receiving points. Additionally, if a driver sets the fastest lap and finishes in the top 10 an additional point is granted. The winning team and driver is determined by whoever has the most points at the end of the season, with team points being a combination of both driver’s points.
Car Components:
Formula 1 and Formula E cars both have a halo, a safety feature which was introduced for the 2018 season. The halo encircles the head and is designed to protect the driver (from various angles) if an incident was to occur. It is made of grade-5 titanium, thus minimizing severity of potential injuries. The halo has been a topic of controversy for many but has been credited to be partially responsible for the survival of Romain Grosjean following his nearly fatal crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Formula 1 and Formula E cars both have systems that provide additional speed allowing for overtaking to be possible and slightly easier. In Formula 1 the feature is known as the Drag Reduction System, or DRS. When DRS is enabled, it provides an additional 10-12kph/6-7mph to the already available 375kph/233mph.
In Formula E the equivalent of DRS is known as “Attack Mode” or AM. When enabled, AM boosts power potential by 35kW to become 235kW. In both Formula 1 and Formula E the engagement of these features is controlled by the driver. There are boundaries around the use of these features, as DRS and AM are only allowed to be enabled in certain portions of each track/circuit known as the “DRS Zone” and the “AM Activation Zone”.
For the Fans:
Formula 1 and Formula E each have features that are based around fan engagement. For both, throughout the race you can go onto Formula 1’s website and Formula E’s Instagram story and vote for driver of the day.
Formula E has two other unique features to continue fan engagement. The first is “Fan Boost”, it is similar to driver of the day but provides an advantage. “Fanboost” allows for fans to have a role in the race as fans vote for their favourite driver, and the top 5 with the most votes receive an additional boost of power. Voting occurs by the use of hashtags, one being #driversname and the other #fanboost.
Secondly, on the halo of Formula E cars there is a strip of LED lights. There are two colours: blue for attack mode and magenta for Fanboost mode. The intention for this feature is so spectators can get an inside look at the strategy that the drivers and teams are using.
The Race Weekend:
The weekend format is one of the most noticeable differences between the two formulas. A Formula 1 race week typically spans 3 days with FP1 and FP2 on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and race on Sunday. Of course, there are some exceptions to this format for various reasons such as when sprint races occur. Formula E has FP1, FP2, qualification, and race all on the same day.
Beyond the actual format, qualification and the races look quite different. Formula 1 qualification occurs in three rounds. Q1 all 20 drivers participate, the 5 drivers with the slowest time are eliminated from further qualifying. In Q2, the top 15 drivers participate, and once again the slowest 5 drivers are eliminated and will start in P11-15 on the grid for the race. Q3 is the final round of qualification and is when pole position is up for grabs. Where drivers finish in qualifying, is their starting position on the grid.
Formula E qualification is divided into 4 groups containing 6 drivers each; grouping is determined using driver’s championship standing with the top drivers going first. However, if it is the first race of the season, the previous seasons’ standings are used and rookies go last. Each driver has 6 minutes in qualifying to set their fastest lap, and the 6 drivers with the fastest times go onto “Super Pole” qualifying. This provides an opportunity for drivers to have a last attempt at pole position, completing this final lap one at a time. However, for this qualification the order is reversed meaning the driver with the 6th fastest time goes first.
In terms of the race, Formula 1 races typically take approximately 1.5 hours, and must cover a distance of 305km. Formula E races last 45 minutes, and once this time has been met by the leader crossing the line, one additional lap remains.
The allotted number of tires for a race weekend are different. Formula 1 is allotted 13 sets of dry tires, 4 sets of intermediate tires, and 3 sets of wet tires. Interestingly, those who advance to Q3, must start the race on tires they finished Q2 on. Those who did not participate beyond Q1 can use any tire compound. Formula E only has 2 sets of tires for the duration of their race day, in other words they must manage with two sets of tires for all FP1, FP2, qualifying, and the race itself.
Overall, there are many overlaps and many differences that make these two motorsports unique, with each presenting their own challenges. An undeniable trait that these motorsports share besides the drivers being incredibly talented, is that they are definitely all a bit crazy.
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