Formula E extends FIA agreement to keep all-electric exclusivity status

Formula E has announced an agreement that could potentially result in the championship’s all-electric FIA exclusivity extended until the end of 2053.

Ahead of the 2024-25 season finale this weekend in London, the FIA and majority owner Liberty Global have agreed terms to keep Formula E as the only fully electric championship on their roster – preventing the likes of Formula 1 from making the switch.

The 15-year extension is on top of an existing agreement that enabled Formula E’s electric exclusivity to run until 2038, with it understood that the new deal is for another 10 years and with the option for an additional five more years if terms are met.

It’s a good headline for the championship, with a new generation of car due for the 2026-27 season that includes permanent four-wheel drive and a 600kW power output.

Several manufacturers have committed to the future of the series, including Nissan, Jaguar and Porsche, however this weekend marks the final races for McLaren – which announced its departure earlier this year as it wasn’t able to find another buyer.

“The extension of the agreement governing the FIA Formula E world championship is a fantastic outcome for the sport and a clear reflection of our ongoing strategy at the FIA to foster long-term stability, innovation, and growth across all areas of motorsport,” Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, said about the agreement.

“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress, which are all central to the championship’s unique identity and purpose.

“It also aligns with our broader goal of increasing global participation and driving more accessible motorsport for all.

“We are delighted to be continuing this journey with Formula E, and I look forward to seeing it grow even further, both on and off the track, in the years to come.”

The plan for the future of Formula E includes increasing the car’s speeds to rival those of top single-seaters, and a natural progression into more permanent circuits as it outgrows city centres. There’s an understanding from early simulations of the next generation of cars that speeds could exceed those of Formula 2, and be a big stepping stone for the electric championship.

“We’ve believed in Formula E since day one, and this extension reaffirms our confidence in where it’s headed,” Mike Fries, Liberty Global CEO, added.

“This is the motorsport of the future – a championship that combines the very latest technology, close-combat racing, and a mission that really matters.

“With the FIA’s continued backing, we can now take the next big steps – scaling the sport, growing its global fanbase, and continuing to push the boundaries of what electric racing can achieve.

“With this new agreement in place, Formula E is now positioned better than ever to define the future of motorsport – more innovative, more inclusive, more sustainable – and to inspire the next generation of fans, drivers, and partners around the world.”

As the 2024-25 campaign draws to a close this weekend, Nissan’s Oliver Rowland has already been crowned world champion after a strong first half of the season. He wrapped up the title with two rounds to go, and became the 10th different champion from the 11 seasons in Formula E’s history.