2025: The year Formula E must capitalise on

A new year and a new opportunity, one Formula E must capitalise on. The all-electric series is still not even a teenager in terms of age, but has reached a critical point. 

2025 is a big year for FE, although it can be argued that every year for the championship is significant. 

This one feels more so, especially with the category's ambitions for the short-term future. Of course, its 11th season is already underway, following a spectacular season-opener in São Paulo. 

It was a record-breaking race at the end of 2024 in December, on the same weekend in which F1 held its curtain-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

In São Paulo, Mitch Evans became the first driver ever to win from last and McLaren's Taylor Barnard on his full-time debut (previous appearances were as a stand-in) became the youngest-ever podium finisher. 

It was a remarkable race, which also featured a horrific accident for reigning world champion Pascal Wehrlein, which left the Porsche driver upside down. 

FE's season-opener was hotly-anticipated, due to the introduction of its new car, the Gen3 EVO. As well documented, it is the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater, capable of 0-60mph in 1.82s. 

Not even current F1 cars can compete with this, which in itself puts FE under the spotlight. The new cars did bring with it newfound attention, and positive views in the United Kingdom. 

São Paulo marked FE's first race back on free-to-air television in the UK, with the series forming a deal with ITV. 

RacingNews365 understands that the season-opener brought in very positive viewing figures, which it will hope to build upon next weekend in the second round in Mexico City.

Pressure for FE to build

For any series, building momentum in the current motorsport landscape is extremely difficult, even more so when it is constantly compared to F1, a championship entering its 75th campaign.

Some of the comparisons are positive, such as the Gen3 EVO's acceleration compared to a current F1 car. 

Others not so much, with there still being a considerable difference in lap time and popularity. FE is growing, but manufacturers want assurance that it will continue to do so both visibly and financially. 

The competitive grid and new cars which are several seconds faster than the original Gen3, are two factors which FE needs to use to its advantage this year. 

Whilst some will continue to complain about the lack of noise compared to an internal combustion single-seater, it is difficult to find racing better than FE anywhere else. 

FE offers excitement, new technology, big brands and popular drivers at a reasonable price, whilst F1's ticket prices continue to skyrocket. 

Having a car with the capabilities of the Gen3 EVO is important to reaching a wider audience, and convince those who have criticised the series to give it an opportunity. 

Fast cars, exciting circuits and great racing is a combination which should sell FE to viewers this year, and is one the series must capitalise on with its marketing. 

With the new car also to be used in Season 12 (2025/26), a big 2025 will set the category up for a strong 2026, when a huge change will take place. 

Gen4

In the latter stages of 2026, when FE's 13th campaign should get underway, it will feature the Gen4 and the next regulations cycle. 

2026 is a big year for single-seater racing, with F1's new power unit regulations also being introduced that year. 

Whilst graphics of FE's next car are yet to be released, it is expected to feature complete four-wheel drive. 

In the current Gen3 EVO, four-wheel drive can only be used at set times – race starts, qualifying duels and in attack mode.

On top of that, public technical data currently available regarding the Gen4 shows it will have a power output of 600kW.

This will see the brake horse power jump from the current 470 bhp, to 800 bhp in 2026. It is a staggering increase, for a car which is also rumoured to feature active aero and recuperate 700kW of energy.

In addition, Bridgestone will return to an FIA single-seater world championship as FE's tyre supplier for Gen4, following its F1 exit at the end of 2010.

Nissan, Jaguar, Porsche, Lola and Maserati (Stellantis) have all committed to the new era as OEMs, with the Gen4 reportedly set to be similarly paced to a Formula 2 car, if not slightly faster.

Mahindra and a second Stellantis brand are yet to commit to the next era of the series. Committing to Gen4 is not cheap, raising the importance of FE's value and audience increasing this year. 

Gen4 is going to grab attention, its inevitable based on what has been reported; however, what FE needs is a large audience to take into its new era. 

It is easier said than done, but the excitement that the Gen3 EVO brings is the perfect ingredient to raise the series to a much-needed next level. If it can, then the only way is up for FE.