Should you care about Formula E?

Being placed under house arrest by COVID-19 means that it has been more than three years since our last Formula E weekend in 2019. When the pandemic exploded in March 2020, the E-Prix, like many other motorsports, was forced into temporary retirement as other races unfurled - towards containment of the viral spread as well as the development of vaccines. 

Through it all, however, the world didn't stop revolving. To be more specific, as environmental pressures mount with never-seen-before force, electric cars are proliferating at a rate that could soon match their accelerative capabilities. It was thus not with the anticipation of reconnecting with an old friend, but also fresh intrigue that we returned our attention to Formula E in Jakarta, and maintain it even now. 

Why should your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for Formula E be any different now? For a start, we're now far better acquainted with roadgoing EVs. A better-formed baseline understanding of how these battery-powered cars work, in turn, naturally causes appreciation for the race strategy to swell.

Instantaneous torque and thrilling speeds, but also range and battery temperature management, are all part and puzzle of electric drivetrains, and on a Formula E track, everything is dialled to 11.

If you haven't done so already, try catching the last few laps of the race especially to experience full-blown range anxiety. This should go without me saying it too, but having had the privilege of standing next to the starting grid, the E-Prix is filled with world-class drivers in monstrous machines, packing proper speeds. 

Still, the spectator's stand isn't where the relevance ends. 'Race on Sunday, sell on Monday' may no longer hold as much weight as it did in the past, but transfers from racetrack to road are still as present as ever in the form of technology and expertise shared.  

As with any form of motorsports, pushing the vehicle to its screaming limit is standard fare. Formula E drivers are constantly toeing the line between efficiency and performance, then analysing and revising their strategies in post-race with their teams, from which incredible insights are then gleaned.  

For instance, the Jaguar I-Pace's range was extended by 20km purely via an over-the-air software upgrade, thanks to analyses conducted by the Jaguar Formula E team over hundreds of miles raced. New materials are also constantly being explored in the powertrains and inverters (which teams manufacture on their own or source from others), and these will filter down to production cars too eventually.  

Additionally, Formula E is trying to chart its own course as a motorsport with a conscience. Hyperboles are dangerous to deal in, but observe how the race is organised and the signs are promising. Without diving into too much detail, carbon emissions are measured to the nth degree, extensive effort goes into drawing from renewable sources and then to recycle, and carbon offsets are purchased for what cannot be covered.

Most importantly, the sport also attempts to positively impact communities around the world, such as encouraging women to enter the racing space (Girls on Track), as well as recognising individuals who are leading environmental programs in the cities visited (Together Green Local Heroes).

But let's return to the core of motorsports, of course - in other words, an all-round electrifying atmosphere replete with a paddock club, partying and live music, and a stellar line-up of drivers in a fairer playing field than can be said about other titles.

Dread it, run from it - electrification is still arriving, with Formula E leading each successive lap towards a better and greener finishing line. The most cutting-edge, yet also most meaningful parts of 21st century racing are all contained within this single championship; it'll be our loss if we raise our noses and look away.