Formula E seeks support series: "There has to be another opportunity to come through into electric racing"

Formula E is looking for a suitable support series. Discussions with the NXT Gen Cup have been resumed, but at the same time there are also considerations for a junior series of its own. It would make particular sense to launch this series parallel to the introduction of the fourth generation of vehicles, where the existing Gen3 Evo cars could continue to be used.

When looking at the Formula 1 or DTM race weekends, for example, you will see support races such as the Porsche Supercup, Formula 2 and 3, the Prototype Cup Germany or the BMW M2 Cup on the schedule in addition to the main racing series. This is something that Formula E has not been able to offer for several years. Currently, the focus has been more on things away from the race track, such as musical acts.

In the past (seasons 5 and 6), this was different: the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Championship helped to shape the Formula E supporting programme. Most recently, a cooperation with the NXT Gen Cup was planned for season 10, but this was cancelled shortly before the first race weekend.

NXT Gen Cup still a possibility

In February 2024, Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo was still optimistic about the joint plans with the NXT Gen Cup: "The addition of an all-electric junior category to the European part of our calendar will further contribute to the essential nurturing of young talent." The importance of such support from a junior racing series to organise weekends and promote young talent was therefore known in principle.

Although the collaboration did not materialise in season 10, contact between the two racing series was never broken off: As Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds emphasised to The Race, talks are currently underway again between the junior racing series and Formula E to make a collaboration possible. Speaking to e-Formula.news during the Berlin E-Prix weekend, founder Fredrik Lestrup also emphasised that the NXT Gen Cup is still interested in working with the electric world championship. "We are working on it for next season," said Lestrup. The aim by working together is to offer "some more action (on the track) during the waiting time."

A dedicated junior series with Gen3 Evo cars?

In addition to cooperation with existing racing series, Formula E is also looking into an internal solution. As soon as the Gen4 cars are introduced for Season 13 (2026-27), the Gen3 Evo cars that will then be decommissioned could be used for a junior series. Dodds told FE Notebook that the teams have invested in the vehicles and now "have these amazing cars in these agile Gen3 Evo cars. There has to be an opportunity to use them and get value out of that investment and bring through young drivers into electric racing." The best time to do this would be season 13, so as soon as the Gen4 is launched and the opportunity arises to use the Gen3 Evo cars.

Dodds explains that he has tasked Beth Paretta, Formula E Vice President of Sport, with the challenge of bringing more activity to the track during race weekends. At the same time, they want to give more young talent a path into electric racing. “Whereas today it goes F4, F3, F2, and then you’re kind of F2, Formula E, Formula 1, there are very few seats. There has to be another opportunity for some of those F4, F3 drivers to come through into (…) electric racing. So that’s the debate we’re having”, says Dodds.

What will happen in Formula E in season 12 in terms of a supporting race series is still open at this stage. However, one thing is certain: the topic remains at the top of Formula E's agenda.