The chief difference between Formula E vs Formula 1 is that Formula E is an all-electric racing series while Formula 1 showcases hybrid racers with internal combustion engines powered by fossil fuels. Formula 1 had its inaugural season in 1950, while Formula E made its debut in 2014.
Are Formula 1 cars faster than Formula E cars?
Yes, Formula 1 cars are faster - although thanks to constant technological innovation, they are not that much faster than today's Formula E cars. According to a November 2022 article in Autosport, the top race speed ever reached by a Formula 1 car - during the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix - is 372.5 km/h (compared to a fastest-ever recorded speed of 397.36 km/h), while the latest Formula E car - the Gen3 of 2022 - reaches a top speed of 322 km/h. Another way to compare Formula E vs F1 cars is in their rate of acceleration: the first can go from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds while the second performs the same feat in 2.6 seconds. A gap that will surely close soon.
What is Attack Mode in Formula E and how does it differ from DRS in Formula 1?
One of the most exciting moments during any car race - for both drivers and viewers - is when one driver attempts to overtake another. Both Formula 1 and Formula E cars offer technological solutions that enable their drivers to squeeze out a little extra juice when needed. In the case of Formula 1, the solution is called DRS. What is DRS in F1? It stands for Drag Reduction System. But exactly how does it work? This is a system whereby - at the press of a button - the driver can open the car’s rear wing by almost half. This decreases the wing's wind resistance, giving the car a temporary speed boost - essential during overtaking. It is an aerodynamic twitch; not the result of a surge in engine power.
Formula E has its own version of DRS, except it's called Formula E Attack Mode. What exactly is Attack Mode in Formula E? Just like in its petrol-powered racing competition cousin, Attack Mode in Formula E is a way for racers to gain a little extra speed for daring overtaking maneuvers, but in this case it’s a matter of boosting power for a determined period of time. But how does Attack Mode work in Formula E? Generally speaking, on every Formula E circuit there is a specially designated Attack Mode zone where racers are allowed to temporarily boost their power by 50 kW by pressing a button on their steering wheel. The rules governing Attack Mode are quite strict and can change from circuit to circuit, which means teams must come up with race strategies at the last minute, adding to the excitement and variability between races.
Will Formula E replace Formula 1?
Formula E is not intended to rival Formula 1. Rather, its founding mission is to accelerate the transition to zero emissions mobility by testing new technologies on the race track before rolling them out for public use. Formula E partners with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to spotlight the benefits of the global shift to e-mobility. This fits in with the Enel X commitment to a better, cleaner future for all.