Why Formula E Matters: Culture, Technology, and a Beginner’s Guide

To understand any concept, it is first necessary to look at its origins and the reasons behind its creation. In the case of Formula E, we must go back to 2014, a time when motorsport was forced to adapt to the new challenges of the contemporary world, particularly those related to climate change, urban pollution, and the growing need for sustainable energy sources. The challenge was far from simple. Moving motorsport away from the internal combustion engine (with its smell, sound, and the entire culture surrounding it) was no easy task, either for technical teams or for marketing departments. For decades, the emotional connection between fans and the roar of the engine had been a defining element of racing culture. Despite these difficulties, Formula E burst onto the motorsport scene and quickly caught the attention of fans, representing a significant step forward not only for racing but for the world at large. The series has driven innovation in electric vehicles and in new ways of generating and managing power sustainably over time.

Beyond its environmental value, the creation of this new championship has helped improve everyday electric cars. In much the same way Formula 1 once did with internal combustion engines, Formula E has served as a real-world laboratory, where electric technology is tested under extreme conditions. As a result, manufacturers have been able to transfer developments from the racetrack to road-going vehicles.

The championship was designed not just as a sporting competition, but as a statement: motorsport could evolve alongside society rather than resist change. In this sense, Formula E represents a new chapter in racing history: one shaped less by nostalgia and more by necessity, innovation, and a changing cultural landscape.

Now, returning to the title of this article, a key question naturally arises: why does it matter? I have chosen to try to convince you, dear reader, through two entirely different lines of argument. On the one hand, I will present a line of reasoning rooted in philosophy and cultural analysis; on the other, I will explore a series of technical arguments to which you may be more receptive. Let us begin, then, with the humanities,taken out of their usual context.

I will be drawing on a key 20th-century thinker, Antonio Gramsci. He was an Italian philosopher and journalist, rooted in a historicist tradition. What is most relevant for our discussion is his concept of cultural hegemony.

The need to find sustainable ways of living on this planet is urgent, whether in production, transportation, or consumption. For this awareness to spread, the “green mindset” must become a cultural hegemony, not by blaming anyone, but by educating and transforming collectively.

Gramsci’s concept of cultural hegemony shows that cultural spaces are strategic arenas for creating new ways of interacting with the world. Cultural products, from cinema and literature to sports, are not mere distractions; they allow us to experiment, debate, and test social change. Formula E, goes beyond spectacle: it fosters cooperation, technological innovation, and environmental awareness. To dismiss it as mere entertainment is to overlook its transformative potential.

So, why should you care? Because these spaces give us the opportunity to build a cultural practice that helps us live more consciously, sustainably, and fully on this planet, while enjoying it responsibly.

Now, let’s look at the technical side. Formula E is fascinating not just because it’s electric, but because its performance rivals top motorsport machines. Advanced cars like the Gen3 Evo can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds (faster than some F1 cars) and reach top speeds of nearly 320 km/h on suitable tracks. Combined with electric motor power and regenerative braking, every start and corner becomes a display of precision, energy, and control.

Formula E is also a constant technical challenge. Cars can recover 40–50% of their energy while braking, forcing drivers and engineers to manage it strategically throughout the race. Urban circuits, with tight corners, narrow streets, and elevation changes, require precise handling and careful tuning of aerodynamics, suspension, and traction.

So, why should you care? Because this mix of energy strategy, technical skill, and visual spectacle makes Formula E exciting for motorsport fans and anyone who appreciates cutting-edge engineering in action.

Having hopefully convinced you that this motorsport category deserves your attention, here is a brief introduction to the 2026 Formula E season so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Season 12 features 17 races across iconic cities and circuits around the world, kicking off in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 6, 2025, and continuing to Mexico City, Miami, Jeddah, Madrid, Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and London, among other destinations, making it one of the most global and exciting seasons in the championship’s history.

Regarding teams and drivers, many of the series’ top names remain on the grid for 2026. Reigning champion Oliver Rowland will continue defending his title with Nissan, alongside Norman Nato, while teams like Mahindra, Porsche, Envision, and Andretti field highly competitive and technically strong line-ups. Notable drivers include Nick Cassidy, who has already scored major wins such as at the Mexico City E‑Prix, as well as experienced racers like Pascal Wehrlein and Sébastien Buemi. The mix of young talent and seasoned veterans promises a tight battle for both points and the championship.