Electric Grand Prix
The 2015-16 FIA Formula E Championship: A deep dive into the season that electrified motorsport with innovation and intense competition.
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Season Overview
A Championship of Firsts
The 2015–16 FIA Formula E Championship marked the second season of this groundbreaking electric racing series, spanning from October 24, 2015, to July 3, 2016. This season was particularly significant as it introduced a new era of technical innovation, allowing seven new manufacturers to develop their own powertrains. This development encompassed critical components such as the e-motor, inverter, gearbox, and cooling system, moving beyond the standardized equipment of the inaugural season.
Electrifying Competition
The season culminated in a dramatic finish, with Sébastien Buemi clinching the Drivers' Championship by a mere two points over his rival, Lucas di Grassi. The final race saw an intense battle, including a controversial opening-lap crash between the two contenders and multiple attempts to secure the fastest lap in their second cars. In the Teams' Championship, Renault e.dams successfully defended their title, showcasing consistent performance throughout the ten-round season.
Teams & Drivers
The Contending Lineup
The second season was initially planned for ten teams, mirroring the inaugural season. However, the withdrawal of the Trulli team after failing to qualify for the first two races reduced the field to nine teams. A key development was the involvement of eight manufacturers who either independently produced or partnered to develop powertrains. While all teams utilized the mandated Spark chassis, the freedom in powertrain development introduced a new dynamic to the competition.
Dynamic Roster Changes
The season saw several notable driver changes. Former Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve joined Venturi, replacing Nick Heidfeld, who moved to Mahindra. Jean-Éric Vergne transitioned to Virgin, and Robin Frijns took his place at Andretti. Mid-season, injuries and other commitments led to further adjustments, including Oliver Rowland stepping in for an injured Nick Heidfeld, Mike Conway replacing Jacques Villeneuve, and Salvador Durán and Ma Qinghua driving for Team Aguri at various points. These changes highlighted the competitive and evolving nature of the championship.
Rule Evolution
Powertrain Development Unlocked
A significant shift for the second season was the opening of technical regulations, allowing teams to develop their own powertrains. This was a strategic move aligned with the series' long-term vision of eventually using a single car per race, eliminating the need for mid-race car swaps. Manufacturers were given the freedom to innovate in key areas: the e-motor, inverter, gearbox, and cooling system. This change fostered greater engineering diversity and competition among the teams.
Enhanced Power, Controlled Energy
To further enhance the racing spectacle, the maximum power usage during a race was increased from 150 kilowatts (200 bhp) to 170 kilowatts (230 bhp). This boost in power allowed for faster speeds and more dynamic racing. Crucially, despite the increased power output, the total allowed energy consumption from the battery remained capped at 28 kWh. This regulation maintained the challenge of energy management, requiring drivers and teams to balance speed with efficiency throughout the race.
Global Calendar
A World Tour of Electric Racing
The 2015–16 season initially featured an ambitious calendar of 11 races, approved by the World Motor Sport Council. These races were strategically placed in iconic cities across the globe, emphasizing Formula E's commitment to urban racing. However, unforeseen circumstances led to the cancellation of the Moscow ePrix in May 2016, reducing the season to a total of 10 rounds. This global circuit showcased electric motorsport on diverse street and permanent tracks.
New Venues and Strategic Shifts
The season's calendar saw several notable changes from its predecessor. The Miami ePrix was removed, and while the Monaco ePrix was absent for this season, it was slated to return in subsequent years. Exciting new additions included the Mexico City ePrix, which marked Formula E's first race on a permanent racing circuit, and the highly anticipated Paris ePrix, bringing electric racing to the heart of the French capital. The Berlin ePrix also moved from Tempelhof Airport to a new city-center location, further integrating the sport into urban landscapes.
Race Results
Victories and Podium Finishes
The 2015–16 season delivered a series of thrilling races, with various drivers and teams demonstrating their prowess. Sébastien Buemi secured victories in Beijing, Punta del Este, and Berlin, showcasing his championship-winning form. Lucas di Grassi also proved a formidable competitor, taking wins in Putrajaya, Long Beach, and Paris. Other notable winners included Sam Bird in Buenos Aires and Nicolas Prost, who claimed both London ePrix races. These results underscore the intense competition and the diverse talent pool within Formula E.
Pole Positions and Fastest Laps
Beyond race wins, the battle for pole position and fastest lap points was crucial. Buemi consistently demonstrated his speed, securing pole in Beijing and Putrajaya, and fastest laps in Beijing, Putrajaya, and Long Beach. Jérôme d'Ambrosio took pole in Punta del Este and Mexico City. Nick Heidfeld and Bruno Senna also recorded fastest laps, highlighting the strategic importance of these additional points in the championship chase. The dynamic nature of qualifying and race pace added layers of excitement to each event.
Championship Standings
The Points System
The championship points system for the 2015–16 season was designed to reward consistent performance and exceptional speed. Points were awarded for the top ten finishers: 25 for 1st, 18 for 2nd, 15 for 3rd, 12 for 4th, 10 for 5th, 8 for 6th, 6 for 7th, 4 for 8th, 2 for 9th, and 1 for 10th. Additionally, 3 points were awarded for pole position and 2 points for setting the fastest lap. A key change from the previous season was that all race results counted towards the total, eliminating dropped scores and emphasizing consistency.
Drivers' Championship Decided
The Drivers' Championship was a nail-biting affair, ultimately decided in the final race. Sébastien Buemi emerged as the champion with 155 points, narrowly beating Lucas di Grassi, who finished with 153 points. The season was characterized by their fierce rivalry, culminating in a dramatic showdown. Nicolas Prost secured third place overall with 115 points, demonstrating strong performance throughout the season. The close margins at the top highlighted the competitive balance achieved in this evolving series.
Teams' Championship Dominance
Renault e.dams successfully defended their Teams' Championship title, accumulating an impressive 270 points. Their consistent performance, spearheaded by Sébastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost, showcased the strength of their powertrain development and team strategy. ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport secured second place with 221 points, a testament to Lucas di Grassi's strong individual results and Daniel Abt's contributions. DS Virgin Racing rounded out the top three with 144 points, highlighting the competitive depth across the grid. The Teams' Championship reflected the collective effort and technical prowess required to succeed in Formula E.
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References
References
- Jérôme d'Ambrosio set the fastest lap during the race but his lap was removed due to corner-cutting.
- Lucas di Grassi and Audi Sport Abt were the initial winners but were disqualified when di Grassi's car was found to be underweight.
- António Félix da Costa set the fastest time but he was excluded due to an irregular tyre pressure level.
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Important Notice
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This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional motorsport analysis, engineering consultation, or strategic planning. Always refer to official FIA Formula E documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific racing or technical needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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