Formula E drivers deliver ‘luck factor’ concern
Nick Cassidy and Jean-Eric Vergne have both raised concerns that some Formula E races could be won on “luck”, due to the new impact of attack mode.
Attack mode is an in-race feature which sees drivers receive an extra 50kW of power, in some cases for up to eight minutes.
To activate attack mode, activation loops often found on the outside of a corner must be driven through.
A driver must do this twice in a race, and use a total of six or eight minutes of extra power (total amount of time decided by the FIA ahead of an event) across both uses of attack mode combined.
For the past two seasons, attack mode has been ineffective, and something drivers have used quickly simply to comply with the regulations.
However, following the introduction of the Gen3 EVO, attack mode has become a powerful weapon. On top of an extra 50kW, attack mode now includes all-wheel drive.
In the São Paulo season-opener last month, drivers were often overtaking opponents at times into double digits, raising several concerns over its impact ahead of this weekend’s race in Mexico City.
Cassidy was one of the first to take attack mode in Brazil and is concerned over how it could impact race victories going forwards.
“It is extreme,” said Cassidy. “My one worry is that the races will be won on a bit of a luck factor at points throughout the year.
“For sure, you’re going to see the same fast guys at the front fighting for the win, but I think there’ll be quite a few occasions with this new race format that there’s a bit of a luck factor in a victory.”
Formula E paddock share same thoughts
The one underlying factor of attack mode in São Paulo was that excitement was created, with minimal overtakes having been possible whilst using it in recent seasons.
That has very much changed, making the racing more exciting for fans both at the circuit and watching at home.
Whilst the teams and drivers are not against attack mode creating more overtaking, the concern that it could result in some victories being claimed purely by luck is one shared by the paddock.
“I think Nick touched base on it, the new attack mode is great,” said two-time champion Vergne. “You can clearly overtake.
“From the fan perspective, it’s great because a lot more overtakes are happening, a lot more action on track. But for us, the teams and drivers, we feel that there is too much luck involved.”
