The roar of electric motors has returned as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship launched its highly anticipated 12th season earlier this month. The action kicked off with a spectacular race in Sao Paulo, setting the stage for a historic year featuring the fastest electric race cars ever built.
A Grid Transformed: New Entrants and Bold Designs
This season sees a significant shift in the team line-up. While established names like NEOM McLaren and Maserati have exited the championship, a fresh contender has joined the fray: Citroen Racing. The excitement, however, extends beyond team changes. All eyes are on the revolutionary GEN3 Evo cars, which are as visually arresting as they are technologically advanced. A unique overhead view of the grid, shared on Instagram, has captivated fans, showcasing how liveries make each identical chassis distinct.
Interestingly, a dominant colour theme has emerged this year. Four out of the ten teams—Citroen Racing, Andretti, Mahindra, and Nissan—are sporting red-themed liveries. The visual comparison led to lively fan discussions online. One observer noted, "The Citroen looks bigger than the Andretti, crazy illusion," while another attributed it to clever colour schemes altering perception. Despite the sea of red, specific designs have won individual praise. Nissan's cherry blossom-inspired livery was called "so pretty," while Porsche, Andretti, and DS also received commendations for their beautiful designs.
Unmatched Performance: The GEN3 Evo Revolution
The heart of Season 12's excitement is the blistering performance of the GEN3 Evo machinery. These cars are redefining acceleration in motorsport, capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in a mind-bending 1.86 seconds. Their top speed exceeds 300 km/h, proving that electric racing is at the forefront of high-performance automotive technology. Formula E continues to solidify its role not just as sustainable entertainment but as a vital testing ground for cutting-edge innovations that will eventually filter down to consumer electric vehicles.
The Longest Season Yet: A Global Calendar
Founded in 2014, the Formula E championship is celebrating a decade of progress. Season 12 is the biggest in the series' history, featuring an expanded calendar of 17 races across 11 international venues. This schedule includes six double-header events, maximizing the action for fans worldwide. The season opener in Sao Paulo on December 6 has already passed, with the championship now heading to Mexico City for Round 2 on January 10. This global tour underscores the championship's massive international appeal and growth.
As the cars get faster and the competition more intense, Formula E Season 12 promises a thrilling spectacle of speed, strategy, and sustainability, captivating motorsport enthusiasts in India and around the globe.
