Formula 1 vs Formula E: Main Differences In Cars, Speed, Race Format And More
F1 vs Formula E, source: mclaren.com
The main differences between Formula 1 (F1) and Formula E lie in several key aspects such as power and technology, speed, acceleration, race and qualifying formats, regulations (and cost), point system, and environmental impact.
F1 demonstrates cutting-edge advancements in automotive technology, particularly in aerodynamics, powertrains, and materials. These innovations have a direct impact on the evolution of road car technology, influencing aspects such as safety, efficiency, and overall performance.
On the other hand, Formula E emerged as a game-changer by introducing electric cars to the racing scene, focusing on street circuits and promoting environmental sustainability.
Our article is going to be a straightforward one. We want to show the core differences and similarities between Formula 1 and Formula E and explain things like attack mode, sprint qualifying, drag reduction system, regenerative braking, internal combustion engine and much more.
Formula 1 vs Formula E: Race Weekend Format
Even though the weekend format differences between Formula 1 and Formula E might seem complex, they are actually quite simple.
Formula E has a condensed schedule, often completing practice, qualifying, and the race in a single day. This is partly due to the races taking place on temporary city circuits, minimizing environmental and local disruptions.
Formula 1 weekends are spread over three days, with practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the race on Sunday
For example:
Formula 1 is racing on 24th March in Australia.
Practice 1 and 2 take place on Friday 22/03
Practice 3 takes place on Saturday 23/03
Qualifying takes place on Saturday 23/03
The race takes place on Sunday 24/03
For example:
Formula E is racing on 30th March in Japan.
Free Practice 1 and 2 take place on Friday 29/03
Qualifying takes place on Saturday 30/03
The race also takes place on Saturday 30/03
If you want to know more about Formula 1…
If you’d like to know more about Formula 1 and learn about all the details (especially about the cars) then be sure to check out this amazing explanatory video by Cleo Abram.
Formula 1 vs Formula E: Race and Qualifying
Formula E has a unique qualifying process that includes group stages and a knockout competition, with the fastest lap times deciding the polesitter. Races are shorter, generally under 100km.
You can learn more about the Formula E qualifying here.
Formula 1 qualifying involves three knockout sessions to decide the grid known as Q1, Q2, and Q3, and races must be over 305km (except Monaco).
You can learn more about the Formula 1 qualifying here.
Formula 1 vs Formula E: Car Specifications
Formula E cars are powered by fully electric motors, with no internal combustion engines. These motors convert electrical energy stored in the car's battery directly into mechanical energy. Formula E cars can use up to 300 kW (about 402 horsepower). Although this is less than half the power of an F1 car, the instant torque delivery of electric motors makes them very quick off the line. A key feature of Formula E cars is their ability to regenerate energy under braking. This not only helps to extend the range of the battery during a race but also adds a strategic element to racing, as drivers manage their energy use throughout the race.
Formula E cars use a standard 'Gen3' chassis from Spark Racing Technologies to keep costs down and competition close. They have a lower power output but are lighter than F1 cars.
Formula 1 cars are powered by hybrid power units. These units consist of a 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine (ICE) paired with an advanced energy recovery system (ERS). The ERS captures energy from the car's braking and exhaust gases, storing it in a battery. This stored energy can then be used to boost power, adding up to 160 horsepower for around 33 seconds per lap. An F1 power unit can produce over 1000 horsepower when combining the output from both the ICE and the electric motor provided by the ERS.
Formula 1 teams develop their own chassis and aerodynamics, leading to higher costs and often wider performance gaps between teams.
Formula 1 vs Formula E: Race Locations
Formula E focuses on city center circuits to promote electromobility, racing in a diverse range of countries, including those not featured in the F1 calendar. Formula e circuits are basically street circuits, think of it like this - in Formula E every circuit is like Formula One Las Vegas street circuit, or Marina bay street circuit. The main difference between Formula E and Formula One here is that Formula E cars are much smaller and lighter so a street circuit is perfect for Formula E racing. In fact, when Formula E raced in Monaco in 2023, we saw more than 116 overtakes. In contrast, Formula One saw only 22 overtakes at the Monaco street circuit.
Formula 1 races, on the contrary, are held mostly on race tracks. And the reason is as mentioned above, Formula One cars have just gotten so big that it is quite impossible to make any overtakes at the street circuit. That is exactly the reason why some of the fans are calling the Monaco Grand Prix rather boring. Even though we don't agree with that sentiment, we can see why some fans could think so. A Formula 1 car is simply just too big for Monaco.
Formula 1 vs Formula E: Top Speed
Formula 1 Top Speed
Maximum Speed: Formula 1 cars can reach top speeds exceeding 360 km/h (about 224 mph). The actual top speed achieved during a race depends on the track layout.
F1 cars can increase their speed with DRS (Drag Reduction System). To explain it briefly, F1 cars have wings at the front and back to help them stick to the track better, especially in corners. But these wings also create drag, making it harder for the car to move forward quickly in the straight lines. If an F1 driver presses the DRS button on their wheel, the rear wing of the car “opens” which reduces the drag (because the air flows freely), so the car speeds up and has a better chance of overtaking another car.
Factors Influencing Speed: Aerodynamics, engine power, and the car's setup for a specific circuit play critical roles in determining top speed. Low-drag setups for tracks like Monza in Italy enable higher speeds (that’s why Monza is also called The Temple of Speed).
Formula E Top Speed
Maximum Speed: Formula E cars, as of the latest generation available in 2024, have a maximum speed of around 280 km/h (about 174 mph). While significantly lower than F1, this speed is perfectly suitable for the tight, twisty street circuits that characterize the Formula E championship.
Formula E car can speed up via something called Attack mode. It’s a temporary power boost that makes the FE cars go faster. Drivers pick when to use this boost in different ways, like combining short and long boosts to add up to extra fast driving time.
Design Focus: The design of Formula E cars emphasizes acceleration and efficiency over outright top speed, reflecting the series' focus on urban racing and sustainability. The instant torque characteristic of electric motors ensures rapid acceleration from a standstill.
Formula 1 vs Formula E: Sound
The sound of Formula 1 and Formula E cars is one of the most distinctive differences between the two series. Formula E cars don’t produce that famous combustion engine scream, but that doesn’t mean they don’t make any sound at all.
Formula 1 Sound
Engine Type and Sound: The sound of a Formula 1 car is generated by its 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged internal combustion engine, combined with the turbocharger and the energy recovery systems. This creates a complex, high-pitched roar that can be heard from a significant distance.
Decibels: The sound levels of Formula 1 cars have varied over the years, especially with the switch from V8 engines to V6 turbo hybrids in 2014. While V8 engines could reach around 130 decibels, the current V6 turbo hybrids are quieter, with sound levels around 100 to 120 decibels at full throttle.
Formula E Sound
Engine Type and Sound: Formula E cars, being electric, produce a very different sound compared to Formula 1. The noise comes from the electric motor, gearbox, and wind resistance. It's often described as a whirring or buzzing sound, much less loud but still distinctive.
Decibels: The sound level of a Formula E car is significantly lower than that of a Formula 1 car, typically around 80 decibels. This is comparable to the sound level of a conventional passenger car driving at highway speeds.
What’s the final verdict? Are you team Formula 1 or team Formula E?
What we learned is that F1 cars and FE cars are quite different. But to put it simply the main differences between Formula 1 and Formula E are:
The Formula One car relies on an internal combustion engine while Formula E car relies on electricity and regenerative braking.
F1 races mostly on race tracks, while Formula E prefers street circuits.
F1 cars can reach up to 360 km/h (or more) and Formula E cars up to about 280 km/h.
F1 cars use DRS to increase their speed, while Formula E cars use Attack Mode.
So, are you team Formula 1, team Formula E, or like many, do you find excitement in following both?
Ultimately, the verdict comes down to personal preference and what aspect of motorsport excites you. Whether you lean towards the technology and adrenaline of Formula 1 or the forward-thinking and sustainability of Formula E - both passions are valid. The beauty of motorsport today is that it offers something for everyone.
