Is Formula E faster than F2?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid sim racer and motorsport fan, I get this question a lot – which open-wheel formula would be faster to rip around a track in, cutting-edge electric Formula E or screaming V6-powered F2? With Formula E set to debut its next-gen Gen3 car in 2024, the racing should be closer than ever. But based on the specs and data we have so far, F2 chassis still claim the performance advantage. Let‘s analyze the electrifying technical battle shaping up between these junior formula titans!

Peak Pace – F2 Still Rules…For Now

While Formula E cars boast neck-snapping acceleration off the line, current F2 machines edge them out on raw pace. The 2022 F2 car tops an ear-splitting 340 km/h down the straights thanks to its 3.4-liter V6 producing 620 horsepower. Formula E‘s Gen2 car maxes out around 280 km/h with its 250 kW electric motor.

However, the next generation Formula E car set to debut this year brings major power gains, with outputs raised to 350 kW. That could push maximum speeds over 300 km/h – but F2 will still have an advantage in peak velocity. Part of that comes down to Formula E rules capping performance to control costs for teams. They also added minimum car weights starting in 2024, making weight savings for pace harder too.

Lap Time Battle – F2 Still Reigns Supreme

We can measure true pace by comparing lap times where both formulas have run. At famed Monaco, Charles Leclerc took his 2018 F2 pole with a 1:20.161 lap compared to Mitch Evans in Formula E clocking a 1:31.081. Even accounting for Formula E‘s greater emphasis on regenerative braking and energy management, that‘s a sizable difference.

Across other tracks like Mexico City, current F2 cars hold an average 1:15 second per lap advantage. The Gen3 Formula E car promises big gains, with simulated data showing 8% quicker lap times. But it would still likely fall several seconds shy of FIA Formula 2‘s pace.

Off the Line – Formula E Launches Ahead

One area Formula E clearly dominates is acceleration – the instantaneous torque of their electric motors allows jaw-dropping launches off the line. While both hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds, FE edges ahead at 2.8 seconds to F2‘s 3.1. Formula E‘s greater traction control and torque vectoring also help translate that power down to the tarmac for mind-bending getaways.

If you want utter launch control hilarity, Formula E is your pick. Testing Jarno Trulli‘s season 1 Formula E car on Forza still stands as my favorite "glue you to your seat" experience!

Lap After Lap – The Enigma of Battery Life

Here‘s where comparing pace gets complex – while Formula 2 cars can run full throttle each lap with perfect engine power consistency, Formula E has to manage electrical energy levels over the course of a race. So an all-out qualifying run will always be multiple seconds faster than races requiring battery conservation.

For us sim racers wanting to rip virtual hot laps, that can make an electric formula frustrating! In a feature race Formula E‘s software limits power significantly to conserve energy, while F2 drivers can continue attacking at 10/10s each tour without concern.

Driving Challenge – Racing Electric Ain‘t Easy!

Make no mistake, though – even with some software assistance, wrangling a high-powered electric Formula E car around circuits bristling with tight turns and little runoff room is brutally difficult! Veteran racers describe Formula E machinery as physical beasts requiring muscling into each corner. Compare that to the balanced aero of an F2 car set up to stick through high-speed curves with more graceful precision.

If you seek the ultimate challenge mastering a screaming, willful race machine then Formula E could be your pick! Personally after catching real FE drivers wrestling their cars I have massive respect.

The Verdict? F2 Still Reigns…But Electrification is Coming

Based on the numbers, lap times and data we have currently, F2 chassis sit firmly atop the junior formula performance ladder versus Formula E. With 600+ horsepower roaring from their combustion engines, no battery limitations to worry about, and more peak velocity, they remain the fastest option.

However, Formula E‘s purpose-built electric race cars bring some incredibly unique strengths too – most notably eye-watering acceleration and torque for outracing F1 cars off the starting grid! Their need to regeneratively brake and efficiency manage makes racing them a far greater driving challenge as well.

With another generation of major performance improvements on the horizon, Formula E is clearly determined to keep narrowing that gap too. Soon enough we could see them truly taking the fight to traditional junior formulas! Each series provides fans a glimpse at the amazing future of motorsport unfolding before our eyes.

So while I‘ll be hotlapping Barcelona in my F2 car tonight…I‘ll definitely be test driving Formula E as well! This electric racing revolution can‘t be ignored!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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