Formula E: Series to drop ‘fake’ Fan Boost, TV numbers up

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has grown its cumulative audience for Season 8 beyond the record-breaking levels achieved the previous season, with a four-way battle for the championship, a new qualifying format and a return to racing in Asia contributing to the new highs.

Live viewers made up the majority of Formula E’s audience for the first time in Season 7 and that trend continued in Season 8 with a 10% increase in live audiences YOY to 216m, part of a 20% growth in total cumulative audience to 381m.

Total viewing hours increased year-on-year by 58%

Scheduling consistency and highly competitive racing supported by a new qualifying format were key drivers for audience growth to record levels.

“The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is building a passionate global fan base, establishing itself as an appointment-to-view, premium live sport,” said Jamie Reigle, Chief Executive Officer of Formula E.

“Millions more fans tuned in to watch last season than ever before thanks to consistent scheduling, improved broadcast presentation and sporting innovations like our game-changing qualifying format that we put in place in close collaboration with the FIA. The championship went down to the wire in Seoul with four drivers vying for the title and Stoffel Vandoorne emerging as World Champion.”

“We thank our global network of committed broadcast partners for their contribution to delivering a record-breaking Season 8. We will work together to build on our momentum and reinforce Formula E’s emergence as a mainstream sport for the next generation.”

Fake FanBoost Axed

Formula E is set to scrap the fake Fanboost system that has made the series artificial since the championship’s inaugural season in 2014.

The Race reports that a unanimous agreement has been reached between the teams and the promoters of the championship to cease FanBoost.

The decision to scrap Fanboost is likely to be welcomed by the majority of competitors, as Gen3 Formula E looks to add additional authenticity to its sporting framework.