Why Formula E Has Stopped Attracting Fans

Ever since it's beginning in 2014, Formula E has gradually managed to attract many major companies, automoblie industries, and big sponsors. While all these keep growing, what has stopped growing is it's fanbase. They have tried all sorts of different schemes to attract motorsport fans but there is always some flaw to the improvement.

One of the main factors that fans are critical about is speed. Formula E is significantly slower than Formula One and their car's engines don't make as much noise as the latter which most racing fans seem to find annoying. Due to this flaw, they have tried to disguise the speed differential by donning an all street-race calendar.

During a regular Formula One season, the least awaited races would be at street tracks, save Monaco and Azerbaijan. This is mainly because street tracks generally have very little overtaking oppurtunities, therefore causing boring races. However, they have had numerous attempts at making up for this pace differential.

Fanboost is a feature that exited many people as it meant that fans could effect the outcome of the race. Basically, fans would vote for their favourite drivers just before the weekend begins and the five with the most votes will get some extra power to use during the race. The problem with this is that the most popular driver will always have an edge on the underdog.

The Pit stops are usually the game-changing moments of an F1 race but have been ruled out by Formula E in recent years as they have developed a battery that can last the entire race. The descision to do this dealt a huge blow to it's popularity. This situation has become so bad that they have changed the rules for next season so that the engine can be charged in between the race.

Formula E definately has done well attracting sponsors as even Formula One couldn't attract the entire big four of Germany (Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes). While F1 only have ten teams, this electric project has twelve. But they still lack two very important things- A large fanbase and quality drivers.

Of course, they have some brilliant drivers, but most drivers who go there are veterans who have not been able to find success in Formula One, not exiting youngsters which Formula Two and Three provide. In fact, Formula Two can be considered competitors to Formula E as they have attracted a lot of attention from fans due to it's close racing and interesting race format.

This sport has seen some brilliant action during it's short history. Maybe it just needs some time. Formula E definitly has the capability and resources to grab headlines worldwide, but managing to achieve it is another feat.

Photo Credit: Alastair Staley /LAT Images