Formula 1 vs Formula E: What’s the Real Difference?

Is Formula E Faster Than Formula 1?

No — Formula E is significantly slower than Formula 1.

While Formula E focuses on electric innovation and sustainability, Formula 1 remains the undisputed benchmark for speed, power, and technological advancement in circuit racing. Formula E cars are designed for close racing on tight street circuits, with lower top speeds and less aerodynamic grip. The result is a clear performance gap across virtually every metric.

Key Differences

Example Comparison: Monaco

Monaco is one of the few circuits that both Formula 1 and Formula E race on (using near-identical layouts in recent years). The lap time difference is dramatic:

• F1 Pole Time (2021 Monaco): ~1:10
• Formula E Pole Time (2021 Monaco): ~1:32

That’s a 22-second gap per lap, largely due to power, braking, and downforce limitations in Formula E cars.
 

What Is the Difference Between Formula 1 and Formula E?

Though both are FIA-sanctioned single-seater series, Formula 1 and Formula E serve very different purposes. F1 is performance-driven, while Formula E is built around sustainability, urban accessibility, and electric innovation.
 

Purpose and Structure

• Formula 1 is the world’s leading motorsport category, blending speed, engineering, and global appeal.
• Formula E is focused on promoting electric mobility, racing in city centres to engage urban audiences and support sustainable development goals.

Technology and Engineering

• F1 cars feature hybrid powertrains, advanced aerodynamics, and materials like carbon fibre. Teams develop their own chassis and upgrade parts throughout the season.
• Formula E cars are largely spec, with teams allowed to develop their own powertrains and software, but not chassis or aerodynamics.

Race Format and Tracks

• F1 races occur on a mix of permanent circuits and a few street tracks, with weekend-long formats.
• Formula E races are shorter and held exclusively on temporary street circuits in major cities.

Energy Management

• F1 teams manage fuel and battery deployment (ERS) strategically.
• Formula E drivers must manage energy usage throughout the race, including "regen" braking and a set energy limit.

Career Role

• F1 remains the top destination for drivers.
• Formula E attracts ex-F1 drivers, endurance racers, and young talents interested in electric racing (e.g., Jean-Éric Vergne, Stoffel Vandoorne, Antonio Felix da Costa).

What Tyres Do They Use in Formula 1 vs Formula E?

Formula 1 Tyres

• Supplier: Pirelli
• Dry Compounds: 5 (C1 to C5); 3 used per weekend
• Wet Weather: Intermediate and Full Wet
• Strategy: High degradation and strategic variation; compound selection varies per race.

Formula E Tyres

• Supplier: Hankook (since Gen3, previously Michelin)
• Type: All-weather tyres (suitable for both wet and dry)
• Strategy: No pit stops for tyre changes; one compound per race
• Tyre Design: Durable, sustainable, and designed for energy efficiency

Key Tyre Differences

Formula 1 and Formula E might both be single-seater championships under the FIA, but they exist in two entirely different performance and purpose categories.

F1 is about speed, innovation, and pure racing pedigree, while Formula E leads the charge in electric mobility, sustainability, and urban accessibility.

Formula 1 is undeniably faster, but Formula E is carving its own space by appealing to new audiences, new technologies, and a greener future.