Everything you need to know about Season 9 of Formula E

A new era with Gen3

For the third time in its young existence, Formula E is undergoing a revolution. After Gen1 (2014-2018), in which drivers had to change cars midway through the race, and Gen2 (2019-2022), with a greater range and capable of completing a full ePrix, now comes Gen3.

This third generation single-seater with an increasingly futuristic look and smaller dimensions offers many innovations under the hood. Firstly, its weight has been reduced by about fifty kilograms, going from a minimum weight of 900 kilograms to 850 kilograms. Moreover, an additional motor has been added at the front to increase the regeneration capacity to 600 kW, which represents a 40% increase in regenerated energy. Finally, the power has been increased, going from 250 kW for the Gen2 to 350 kW for the Gen3. Thanks to this extra power, Formula E cars could exceed 300 km/h for the first time.

Consequently, the noise could evolve and appear more impressive to the spectators. The additional 100 kW should make a difference and allow for the creation of sound variations between the monoplace cars of each team. As for the batteries, Williams Advanced Engineering is responsible for designing them, as was already the case for Gen1. The batteries for Gen2 were entrusted to McLaren Applied Technologies.

Finally, after trusting Michelin since the series’ launch in 2014, it is now Hankook that becomes the sole tire manufacturer for the FE. The specifications presented to the Korean company were to design a tire that can perform well on both dry and wet tracks. This specificity aligns with the ecological approach that Formula E wants to highlight. A more durable tire to use less and transport fewer of them.

A completely disrupted starting grid.

If the transfer season in Formula 1 has been marked by numerous twists and turns, it was nothing compared to the (very) numerous movements recorded in the transfer market of FE. Out of the 11 teams, only Jaguar retains the same driver duo in 2023.

– Jaguar TCS Racing (Mitch Evans / Sam Bird)

The only team to retain its driver duo, Jaguar is counting on stability to finally secure titles. After winning four times last season and being part of the English team since season 3, New Zealand driver Mitch Evans is determined to climb one step higher after being vice-champion last season. For the third consecutive year, he will be partnered with British driver Sam Bird.

– DS Penske (Stoffel Vandoorne / Jean-Eric Vergne)

For this new season, the French brand DS Automobiles has partnered with American Penske, replacing the Chinese team Techeetah, with the ambition of aiming for global success. Jean-Eric Vergne, now a historical driver for the premium brand of the Stellantis group in Formula E, will continue. With Mercedes leaving the competition, the Frenchman will have a new teammate in the form of Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne. The reigning champion will thus form the only duo of FE champions on the grid, as well as the only duo of former Formula 1 drivers.

– Maserati MSG Racing (Maximilian Günther / Edoardo Mortara)

Another brand of the Stellantis group, Maserati will enter the electric single-seater category in 2023. The brand that led Juan-Manuel Fangio to the Formula 1 world championship title twice is thus making its comeback in car racing, replacing the Venturi team. Edoardo Mortara, who has been a driver for the Monégasque team since season 4, continues the adventure with the Trident brand. Alongside him, Maximilian Günther, the youngest ePrix winner, joins from Nissan e.Dams.

– Tag Heuer Porsche Formula E Team (Antonio Felix Da Costa / Pascal Wehrlein)

In addition to its commitment in Endurance, Porsche continues its adventure in Formula E. To fight on the electric field, the Stuttgart brand continues to trust former Formula 1 driver Pascal Wehrlein. Despite a season without victory or podium, the German has managed to keep his seat. In the other car, Porsche has secured a top recruit in Antonio Felix Da Costa, former DS Techeetah driver and champion of season 6. He will also compete in the WEC season with the Jota Sport team, which will field… Porsches on the circuits of the world championship.

– ABT Cupra Formula E Team (Robin Frijns / Nico Müller)

ABT is making its grand comeback to Formula E after a year of absence. Formerly partnered with Audi, with whom they found success, the German team is now associated with the Spanish brand Cupra, which will be taking its first steps in the electric series. The race car will be powered by a Mahindra engine. A new team inevitably means a new duo of drivers. Coming from Envision, Dutch driver Robin Frijns will be competing in his seventh season in Formula E. His neighbor in the garage will be Swiss driver Nico Müller, who, like Jean-Eric Vergne, will split his time between Formula E and the WEC with Peugeot.

– Neom McLaren Formula E Team (Jake Hughes / René Rast)

Another legendary brand making its debut in Formula E alongside Maserati, McLaren is embarking on the adventure of electric single-seaters. Taking over from the Mercedes team, the British brand is now competing in its fourth world championship, following Formula 1, IndyCar, and Extreme E. To drive the single-seater powered by a Nissan engine, McLaren has chosen British driver Jake Hughes, who will be making his FE debut, and German driver René Rast, former Audi driver in FE and WEC, now also committed to BMW in Endurance.

– Avalanche Andretti (Jake Dennis / André Lotterer)

While they aspire to join Formula 1 with the Cadillac brand, the Andretti team, present from the beginning of Formula E, is exchanging their BMW engine for the one designed by Porsche. André Lotterer’s arrival is certainly not unrelated to this move. In fact, he will continue his journey in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the Stuttgart-based company. Jake Dennis, on the other hand, is returning for a third season with the American team.

– Envision Racing (Sébastien Buemi / Nick Cassidy)

Like the Avalanche Andretti team, Envision Racing has decided to change its power unit. Audi is out, and the Anglo-Chinese team will now be powered by a Jaguar engine. After spending his entire career at e.Dams and winning the championship in Season 2, Sébastien Buemi will be joining a new team. His teammate will be Nick Cassidy, who will be competing in his third season with the Silverstone-based outfit.

– Nio 333 Racing (Sergio Sette Camara / Dan Ticktum)

Present in Formula E since the first season of the championship, first under the name NEXTEV TCR and then Nio starting from season 3, the Chinese brand that aims to compete with Tesla seeks to once again play a leading role, having brought Nelson Piquet Jr to the title in 2015. To succeed, Nio relies on the Brazilian Sergio Sette Camara, who has been present in FE for three seasons. Alongside him, Dan Ticktum has retained his seat after a first season marked by a tenth place finish as his best result.

– Nissan Formula E Team (Norman Nato / Sasha Fenestraz)

After climbing several podiums in each season since the launch of the FE under the name e.Dams, Nissan had a blank season last year. To remedy this situation, the Franco-Japanese team completely changed its line-up for season 9. To replace Buemi and Günther, Nissan is relying on a 100% French duo. Coming from Jaguar, Norman Nato will compete in his third FE season. The native of Cannes will team up with Sasha Fenestraz, from the Japanese Super Formula championship.

– Mahindra Racing (Oliver Rowland / Lucas Di Grassi)

In Formula E since the first season, Mahindra Racing is the only team that has not changed its name since its debut. Victorious in five ePrix races since season 1, the Indian team is determined to step up their game. To achieve their goals, Mahindra has hired the champion of season 3, Brazilian driver Lucas Di Grassi. As a specialist in the discipline, the former F1 driver is determined to continue his progress after seven seasons with Audi and one with Venturi. His teammate in the garage will be British driver Oliver Rowland, who was already with Mahindra last year.

List of participants for Season 9 of Formula E

A well-stocked calendar with some new additions.

The calendar for season 9 of Formula E runs from January 14th to July 30th and includes sixteen races. In terms of new additions, the Gen3 cars will go to Hyderabad (India), Cape Town (South Africa), Sao Paulo (Brazil), and Portland (Oregon, United States). Therefore, Marrakech, New York, and Seoul will no longer be part of the calendar.

Like last season, Diriyah, Berlin, Rome, and London will have the privilege of hosting two ePrix on the same race weekend. The city of Jakarta will also have this opportunity.

Finally, given the number of drivers also competing in the WEC, no ePrix has been scheduled on the weekend of the 100th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in order to avoid a scheduling conflict.

Calendar of Season 9 of Formula E