The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship electric racing series continues to go from strength to strength. Formula E reports that its international fanbase grew by 17% over the last year, to 344 million viewers, edging out NASCAR to become the world’s fourth-largest motorsport championship.

More than 225 million viewers watched Formula E races live during Season 9, up 4% on the previous season. China and the US, and several new race markets—Brazil, India and South Africa—all saw significant increases in live race views.

Meanwhile, the teams have been setting records on the track, driving the new GEN3 race cars, which were developed by Formula E and the FIA with partners ABB, SABIC and Hankook. During Season 9, new records were set for the fastest average lap time and the highest speed.

Seven different drivers from six different teams won races during Season 9, which featured races in Mexico City, Diriyah, Hyderabad, Cape Town, São Paulo, Berlin, Monaco, Jakarta, Portland, Rome and London. The Teams’ World Championship was decided in the final race when Nick Cassidy won for Envision Racing.

Formula E concluded Season 9 by setting a new official Guinness World Record when NEOM McLaren team driver Jake Hughes set a new top speed achieved by a vehicle indoors. Hughes reached 218.71 km/h on the track inside ExCeL London, smashing the previous world record by more than 50km/h.

“We are well on the way to establishing Formula E as the most exciting and innovative motorsport for fans, alongside being the world’s most sustainable sport,” said Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. “Our teams and drivers exceeded all expectations to take the GEN3 car and push it beyond what we all thought was possible. As a result, the entertainment value of Formula E racing is off the scale, which is attracting more fans and TV viewers than ever before.”

Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship begins in Mexico City on Saturday, 13 January 2024. Teams will begin pre-season testing in Valencia, Spain in late October.

Source: Formula E