Porsche has once again asserted its prowess in formula racing with a remarkable achievement in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. On 21 July 2024, in London, Pascal Wehrlein clinched the Formula E World Championship, driving the highly efficient Porsche 99X Electric. This victory marks Porsche’s second consecutive title in the series, following British driver Jake Dennis’s triumph with the Andretti customer team in 2023.
Porsche's Milestone in Formula Racing
This latest success is a significant milestone in Porsche's illustrious history in motorsport. It comes 40 years after the TAG Turbo engine, designed by Porsche, set new standards in Formula 1. Unlike the 1980s, where Porsche's role was limited to engine development, this season saw the brand as a complete team, developing far more than just the powertrain. This achievement underscores Porsche’s evolution from a formidable engine partner to a dominant force in the Formula E series.
Florian Modlinger, Director Factory Motorsport Formula E at Porsche, reflected on the journey, saying, “The first title last year was a breakthrough for us. We entered Formula E in 2019 when the second generation of cars had already been racing for a year and a half. With the introduction of the third generation, we made a decisive leap in performance, and this season has been a testament to our hard work.”
From Endurance Racing to Electric Domination
Porsche's commitment to Formula E began in 2019, reflecting the brand’s ambition to lead in electric vehicle innovation. The journey was challenging, but the potential for in-house development made the electric racing series particularly appealing. Porsche’s debut race in Saudi Arabia in November 2019 saw the team immediately reach the podium, and the first victory followed in Mexico in February 2022, a historic 1-2 finish.
The 2023/2024 season, Porsche’s fifth in Formula E, was a season of records. Pascal Wehrlein’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with victories in Misano, Berlin, Shanghai, Portland, and London, setting a new benchmark with seven wins in a single season. This performance shattered the previous record held by Renault team e.dams in season 3. In total, the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team secured 12 wins in 74 starts, making them the most successful team in Formula E history.
Technical Mastery and Future Ambitions
Porsche's success in Formula E is not just a result of driver skill but also of technical excellence. The Porsche 99X Electric, developed at the net CO2-neutral Weissach facility, has been a game-changer. The car’s design incorporates advanced technology, including an inverter, gearbox, differential, and other critical components, all developed in-house. The car’s software, crucial for both racing and Porsche’s road vehicles, further underscores the brand's engineering capabilities.
Reflecting on the season, Modlinger stated, “Formula E presents unique challenges in terms of technology, driving, and operations. Our team has mastered these challenges incredibly well, and we are proud to be a figurehead for Porsche’s capabilities. However, we remain hungry for more success and aim to win the Teams’ World Championship next season.”
A Bright Future in Formula Racing
Porsche’s achievements in Formula E represent a significant chapter in the brand's motorsport history, particularly in a discipline traditionally less familiar to the Le Mans record holder. With a strong focus on electrification, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, Porsche is not only excelling on the track but also paving the way for future innovations in electric vehicles.
As Porsche looks ahead to the next season, the brand’s commitment to Formula E remains unwavering. The lessons learned on the racetrack continue to influence Porsche’s electric production cars, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of the automotive industry.
With two consecutive World Championships under its belt, Porsche is set to continue its dominance in Formula E, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in both motorsport and electric vehicle innovation.