As Formula E prepares to return this action this weekend in Jeddah, new innovations look set to transform the series.
Introduction of Pit Boost
The arrival of Pit Boost could transform Formula E and the racing action while also demonstrating the rate of technological advancement underpinning the sport.
In a decade, the sport has moved from changing cars during a race due to high power consumption to charging the car mid-race.
Pit Boost brings to Formula E a feature not seen in elite single-seater racing since 2010: the strategic art of sprint racing. Teams now have to plan for a mandatory visit to the pits to charge up the cars for extra power in the race.
During the Pit Boost, the car will pull into its pit box, and remain stationary while a cable is plugged in. The battery is then recharged by 10 percent (3.85kWh).
The charge must take at least 34 seconds, forcing teams to consider strategy when attempting to pass rivals during races.
Teams are only provided with one charger; the sport clearly having learned from cars in F1 tactically double stacking during pitstops.
Drivers can only take Pit Boost if the charge is above 40% and below 60%, creating the potential for drivers to force rivals into errors.
A new venue for Formula E and Rookie Practice
Formula E will race in Jeddah for the first time in 2025, with the traditional city of Diriyah making way for the Corniche Circuit.
This will be a test for the GEN3 Evo car, as it navigates the ultra-fast, sweeping corners of Jeddah, a track dubbed “Monaco on steroids”.
The cars are significantly faster than last season, and the drivers must utilise all their skills to avoid the looming barriers.
Several chicanes have been introduced to distinguish the Formula E race from other series at the track, but questions over energy consumption remain on such a high-speed track.
Rookies will take to the track in a dedicated session on a Formula E weekend, giving drivers opportunities to break into the series.
Those taking the Jeddah include former Red Bull F1 driver Daniil Kvyat for DS Penske, Théo Pourchaire for Maserati, and Jamie Chadwick for Jaguar.
An idea of the competitive order
The opening two rounds have produced very different results, with Porsche and Jaguar taking a win each in chaotic races.
But looking deeper at the results, Porsche has come out all guns blazing, with both cars at the front of the field in Sao Paulo and Mexico City.
Nissan has enjoyed a competitive start to the season, with Oliver Rowland running at the top end of the grid, taking victory at the last round.
Jaguar, meanwhile, has seen strong results fade, whether due to misfortune or strategy. Mitch Evans was unstoppable in Sao Paulo but retired from the last race.
Problems have also beset teammate Nick Cassidy’s start to the season, retiring at the opening E-Prix and only managing 12th in Mexico City.
If Jaguar harbours serious ambitions for the championship in Season 11, both drivers must finish on the podium to compensate for the points deficit.
Feature Image Credit: Formula E Media Centre/Joe Portlock/LAT Images
