New to Formula E and not sure what all the fuss is about? Check out our quick guide to get you started.
What is Formula E?
Formula E is a fully electric street racing series. The FIA first had the idea for it back in 2011 and the first season kicked off in 2014.
What are Formula E cars like?
Pretty impressive. The new Gen2 cars have 250kW of power and can last the whole race without needing a charge (each driver had to swap cars mid-race in the early seasons). They go from 0-100km/h in just 2.8 seconds and have a top speed of 280km/h.
Where do they race?
All over the world. The locations tend to vary a little year-on-year, but the 2019/20 season includes races in Chile, China and Mexico.
How long do the races last?
Each race – or E-Prix – lasts for 45 minutes plus one lap.
How many points does the winner get?
FE uses the FIA points scoring system – 25 for the winner, 18 for second, 15 for third and so on down to 1 point for tenth place. There’s also an extra 3 points up for grabs for pole position and another point for setting the fastest lap in the race (but only if the driver finishes in the top 10).
Can drivers gain extra power during the race?
Yes, through Attack Mode and FanBoost.
Attack Mode works by giving an extra 25kW of power to drivers who drive off the racing line during an activation zone (which is kept secret until shortly before the race).
FanBoost works by letting fans vote for their favourite driver six days prior to and for the first 15 minutes of each race. The top five drivers chosen by fans get an extra shot of power to use in the second half of a race.
Any famous faces involved?
A fair few former Formula 1 drivers have graced the FE circuits over the years.
There are 8 former F1 drivers in the current FE driver line-up – a third of the field – with Felipe Massa probably the most well-known. The reigning Formula E world champion, Jean-Eric Vergne, is also a familiar name to F1 fans.
Is there any decent overtaking?
YES! There is some seriously close racing in FE, making it a must-watch for motorsport fans.
Sounds great. How can I watch?
Formula E is aired on TV channels around the world. Check the official Formula E website for where to watch in your country.
The Formula E 2019/20 season kicks off in Saudi Arabia on 21 November 2019
