Antonio Felix da Costa and DS Techeetah are back to defend their titles as the new Formula E season gets underway with a double header in Saudi Arabia on February 26 and 27. The action is expected to be non-stop with as many as nine teams expected to be in contention for wins this season. Although the calendar is currently made up of eight races, more are expected to be added as the season progresses. With the action already underway from Diriyah for the first Formula E night race, we're here to give you five reasons why you shouldn't miss out on the action this season.
The future is electric
At the core of Formula E is a concept that is no stranger to car lovers around the world. There is an increasing shift by manufacturers and consumers towards environmentally friendly technologies around the world, making an all-electric racing series relevant in today's world. Formula 1 cars continue to run on fossil fuels, but even they have switched from the gas guzzling engines of the past to the turbo hybrid power units that are run today. As a result you could even say Formula E is ahead of its time, with Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff even claiming that the two series may work in close unison in the future . Thus Formula E are the leaders when it comes to efficient and environmentally friendly racing, an idea that viewers should embrace as the world of motorsport pushes forward in its attempt at a greener alternative.
Familiar Formula 1 names
It can sometimes be jarring to watch a sport or series when none of the names ring a bell. Luckily, that isn't the case when it comes to Formula E. There are several names Formula 1 fans will be familiar with, starting with Stoffel Vandoorne. The Belgian looked set for success when he joined McLaren back in 2016, however the team were woefully off the pace until his departure at the end of 2018. Pascal Wehrlein is another promising talent that failed to deliver on his skills during stays with Manor and Sauber. Elsewhere on the grid the likes of Sebastian Buemi, Lucas di Grassi and Jean-Eric Vergne have all had a taste of Formula 1. In the past names like Felipe Massa, Jarno Trulli, Nelson Piquet Jr, Nick Heidfeld, Esteban Gutierrez and Brendon Hartley have all featured as well. Given there are only 10 teams currently in Formula 1, meaning only 20 drivers take the grid, Formula E is proof that there is still plenty of talent in the world of motorsport outside of F1.
City-based circuits
Formula E cars don't hit the same speeds that F1 cars do, and while on the surface that might come off as a negative for motorsport fans, it opens the door to a wider range of options when it comes to circuits. Formula 1 have prioritised safety when it comes to where they race in recent years, meaning tracks often have large run off areas which means mistakes often go unpunished. Compare that to Formula E, where street circuits are the name of the game for the most part. Not only does racing through the streets of Rome, Marrakesh and Santiago make for some picturesque images, it also makes for exciting races where drivers are forced to test their skills in close spaces.
Unpredictability makes for exciting races
Given the relatively small difference in speed and performance between each cars, Formula E offers up unpredictability like few other series. Just look at last season when Antonio Felix da Costa took the championship at the ninth race of the 11 event calendar. Although the Portuguese driver finished 71 points ahead of his nearest rival, he only finished the season with three victories. In fact, there were seven different winners last season from 11 events meaning the same drivers don't have a stranglehold of top spot, or the podium for that matter. It's a theme that's been true in Formula E since it's debut campaign back in 2014. Add in that races last 45 minutes plus one lap race distance, and that fan boost allows viewers to be involved in what's happening on the track, and it means that action doesn't drag on and is immersive.
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