By far, the hottest and most attractive series to manufacturers right now globally is Formula E. So, who is looking to join in the fun?
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Formula E is the first truly global electric racing series that has traveled to streets of cities in countries large and small. From Marrakesh to Miami, and London to Long Beach, the series has grown greatly in the last few years, and is quickly gaining a following from many of the top manufacturers in the world.
Already some of the top marques that compete in global motorsport have gotten involved in Formula E. Names like BMW, Audi, and Citroen are involved with some of the competing teams already. Meanwhile, electric automakers like Faraday Future and NEXTEV have roots here as well. There is also an ever-growing list of big names that want in on the fastest growing series under the FIA banner.
The series has ambitious goals of expansion and improvement in the next handful of years, including electric battery improvements that will eliminate the car change midway through the race. Tenders that have gone out in early years to provide items like batteries and chassis for the entirety of the field are likely to change to a team-by-team basis, providing more autonomy for competitors and increased development.
So who has the best shot to join the Formula E grid in the near future? Certainly near competitors in Formula One and other FIA series have an advantage. One also has to consider marques with a vested interest in electric technology. Perhaps these five would have the best chance to join in the excitement.
Toyota
Perhaps a bit overexerted in motorsports currently to join the ranks in Formula E, but could the top-selling manufacturer in the United States make a move to the electric ranks? Their hybrid model Prius is one of their best sellers globally, and with electric technology expanding in many markets, this could put them ahead.
Toyota would be no stranger to open-wheel racing, having provided engines for years to the Indy Racing League and Champ Car teams. They also previously competed under the FIA banner in Formula One, having ended their program as the global economic recession was just beginning. Since then, Toyota has continued their operations in NASCAR in addition to competing in the LMP1 category of the World Endurance Championship.
However, with the future of the LMP1 category in jeopardy with Audi withdrawing from the series, could Toyota hedge their bets on one of the FIA’s fastest growing divisions? Porsche’s place in the WEC is not confirmed for the long-term, especially with parent company Volkswagen paying billions to handle their diesel emissions scandal. While their current hybrid technology would likely be better suited for WEC, Toyota could take a step towards the future by joining Formula E in the next decade.
Honda
If Toyota is too overextended to be able to join Formula E, then Honda may join them in waiting to jump in on electric racing. With their cars and engines currently racing in Formula One, Global Rallycross, and IndyCar, as well as a new IMSA program coming, electric single-seater racing may be a more long-term aspiration than short-term opportunity.
Honda is a very familiar name in single-seater open wheel racing, providing more than half the engines to the current Verizon IndyCar Series field, as well as to the McLaren F1 team. Previously the manufacturer was the sole supplier for IndyCar for close to a decade, while also fielding a factory works team in Formula One before exiting around the same time other marques fled. Meanwhile, their sports and rally car divisions have grown quickly in recent years, with entries now in Global Rallycross and a future program with Penske in IMSA racing.
It is unlikely at this time that Honda would add another facet to their racing program, seeing that they are still trying to become competitive again at the F1 level. While their relationship with McLaren is rocky at best at this point, they are adding another team to their inventory in 2018. But if their Formula One efforts were to come up short again, expect Formula E to be a new possible direction.
Ferrari
The red dragons of Formula One are only truly known for racing in Formula One and sports cars in recent times. Their road car division helps with their efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship and the World Endurance Championship. But could Formula E be a new outlet for Scuderia Ferrari?
It has been no secret that Ferrari chief Maurizio Arrivabene has wanted to expand the scope of Ferrari’s influence in Formula One, but one has to wonder if that carries to other FIA-sanctioned series. The team currently provides engines to the Sauber F1 team and Haas F1, but they have been searching for ways to get Alfa Romeo involved in racing again. While the marque has become more present in advertising in North America, their motorsports division remains completely absent.
The one thing that could perhaps leave the Italian manufacturer waiting would be any progress on electric technology with their cars. If there is not a road product ready from the team, then why would they invest in a series that is strictly of that type? It may not be until beyond 2020 that we see an all-red entry in Formula E from one of the top teams in Formula One.
Porsche
Perhaps one of the luxury car manufacturers that is most prepared to take a spot on the Formula E grid is Porsche. While they are not currently competing in the series, they have an affiliation and technological agreement with the Abt Schaeffler team through marques including Audi and Volkswagen. However, will recent road dramas hold them out of a full works effort?
The diesel emissions scandal that embroiled the Volkswagen organization has seriously hamstrung their finances for motorsports. The Audi LMP1 team in the World Endurance Championship recently shut down due in part to the budgetary constraints from it. This also means that any move where a brand would want to compete in a new series would come under much scrutiny.
However, if there is one series today that aligns with the direction of some of their marques, it is the all-electric Formula E. With Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche all now working to put out electric vehicles on the road, it would make sense for one of them to be present in the top racing division for this type of engine. It may only be a matter of time before one of these makes a move into Formula E full-time, whether as a new operation or by buying out the Abt Schaeffler group.
Mercedes
If there is a favorite in the clubhouse among the auto manufacturers to join the Formula E grid before the end of the decade, it is the silver arrows of Mercedes. The German team already signed an agreement that they have an exclusive option to join the series in 2018-19 when the grid could expand from ten to twelve teams. But could we know sooner rather than later?
The organization has made it clear that any move into the all-electric series would be one that takes time to prepare for, meaning a decision could come as soon as this fall. The team would not want to enter and race near the rear until they find their sea legs, considering their exceptional prowess currently in F1. The team would also likely want to recruit strong talent to drive their cars, and compete for championships.
If and when Mercedes joins Formula E could become a turning point for the championship. Starting out as almost entirely privateer teams, adding a championship winning race organization like the silver arrows would mean that likely many if not all remaining privateers would try to find a partnering OEM. Many already have found them, like Andretti with BMW and Dragon with Faraday Future, but others like Techeetah and Venturi have yet to make such an arrangement.
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Which manufacturer do you think will be the next to join the Formula E grid? Will they start their own operation or partner with an existing team? Leave your ideas below in the comments, and be sure to catch the next race for the Formula E world championship from New York City on July 15 and 16.