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How Formula 1 and Formula E Compare

How Formula 1 and Formula E Compare

While Formula 1 is one of the most famous race series in the motorsport scene, its counterpart electric version is gaining more and more popularity.  The two series of races have a lot in common, of course, regarding the thrilling speed of the vehicles involved but they are so different and the differences go beyond the most obvious difference, which is the powertrain.

I mean we all know the Formula 1 race cars depend on gasoline or hybrid powertrains , while Formula E cars uses all electric systems that is powered by a battery , but the differences between the two are not limited to this one main point. It goes further in terms of regulations, circuits and more, as we will discuss in this article.

How Formula 1 and Formula E Compare

Origins

Formula 1 was established in 1950, it evolved from the previous grand prix racing to form an official championship on that year. The Championship gained more importance as a way to test the speed and power of the cars that participate in it. The Championship also witnessed a number of developments through the years, moving from naturally aspirated engines to turbocharged engines and eventually to hybrid systems as we have now. The FIA series retains its reputation as the fastest racing series in the world.

On the other hand, the Formula E was founded in 2014 by the Spanish business man Alejandro Agog, who is currently the chairman of Formula E championship. The purpose of establishing this eV championship was to promote the alternative powertrain and explore its potential while environmental concerns being a major factor. The championship attracted a number of the biggest automakers that plan to compete in the fast-growing EV market.

How Formula 1 and Formula E Compare

Technology

Formula 1 cars are powered by a hybrid powertrain that consists of turbocharged V6s supported by energy recovery systems, while Formula E cars depend solely on electric powertrains that are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In addition, Formula 1 teams can develop their own chassis, aerodynamic designs and engines, while Formula E teams can customize powertrains , gearboxes and software, but they have to use a standard chassis .

Performance and speed

Believe it or not, Formula 1 still dominates this field, regardless of all what we all know about the “instant torques” of electric vehicles and the incredible acceleration times they offer. For example the top speed of F1 cars can reach 350 km/h , and even faster speeds was recorded officially , while the top speed of Formula E cars is little slower , it can reach 200mph )322 km/h).

Acceleration is also won by F1 cars! Despite the fact that Formula E cars can go from a standstill point to 100 km/h in 2.8s. The gasoline engined Formula 1 cars can do the same task in 2.6s. This can be attributed also to the weight difference. It doesn’t come as a surprise that electric vehicles are heavier than ICE vehicles. In This case, the Formula 1 car is 40+ kilograms lighter than the Formula E. F1 cars weight is around 798 kg while Formula E cars whight is approximately 840 kg. The difference can be related to the weight of the batteries in the electric cars .

formula e monaco
Formula E Monaco ePrix

Circuits

It’s widely known that formula 1 races are held in some of the most famous circuits in the world. Be it the Silverstone Circuit in UK ,  the Circuit de Spa in Belgium or the Monaco Grand Prix , the Formula 1 circuits are traditional , well established and renown .

On the contrary , Formula E races take place on the street circuits with narrow, twisty tracks and the races are hels directly in city centers to be more accessible to fans. Formula E circuits include Berlin Tempelhof Airport Circuit, New York ePrix Circuit and Diriyah ePrix Circuit in Saudi Arabia, among others.

f1 grand prix of belgium in 2024
F1 Grand Prix of Belgium in 2024

Qualifying Structure

Regarding Quallifying format , The first difference would be that Formula E’s qualifying sessions are conducted in a single day, creating a fast-paced event. The day begins with two practice sessions, followed by the qualifying rounds. In the first stage, the 22 drivers are divided into two groups of 11, based on their championship standings. Each group participates in a 10-minute session, during which drivers aim to set their fastest lap times. The top four drivers from each group advance to a knockout format stage called the ‘Duels. In this stage drivers compete head-to-head in quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. The winner of the final secures pole position, while the remaining drivers are placed in descending order based on their performance in the Duels and group stages.

Formula 1 follows a three-stage knockout qualifying format (Q1, Q2, Q3), where the slowest five drivers are eliminated in the first two rounds, and the fastest in Q3 secures pole position.

Both series have qualifying sessions that last around an hour, but their race weekend structures differ significantly. F1 spreads its schedule over three days, with practice on Friday and Saturday, qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday. Meanwhile, as we mentioned before , FE condenses practice, qualifying, and the race into a single day.

Jeddah , Saudi Arabia in Season 11 of the Formula E World Championship,

Upcoming Events?

Well, if we succeeded in making you more curious about the formula E championship , then get ready for some action!

You might want to Mark your calendar for February 14 and 15, 2025, as these are the dates for the world’s fastest electric cars race taking place through the streets of Jeddah , Saudi Arabia in Season 11 of the Formula E World Championship,

This event gains even more importance because it’s considered a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which reflects the country’s commitment to sustainability, clean energy, and technology.

 

 

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