Formula E, has delivered numerous unforgettable moments on American soil since its inception. From the sunlit streets of Miami to the bustling avenues of New York City, the United States has played host to races that have not only showcased the prowess of electric racing but have also etched themselves into the annals of motorsport history.
As we head to Miami for the first time since 2015 for round 5 of the season.
This article delves into some of the most iconic Formula E moments in the USA, highlighting the drama, excitement, and innovation that have defined these events.
The Inaugural U.S. Race: 2015 Miami E-Prix
On March 14, 2015, Formula E made its American debut with the Miami ePrix. The race unfolded on a temporary circuit in the heart of downtown Miami, weaving through the city’s picturesque streets. Jean-Eric Vergne clinched the pole position, marking his second Julius Baer Pole Position in just his third Formula E race. However, his race was marred by a power issue that relegated him to the back of the pack.
This unexpected turn of events paved the way for Daniel Abt to seize the lead, positioning him for a potential victory. Yet, the race’s climax saw both Nico Prost and American debutant Scott Speed overtaking Abt with just two laps remaining. Prost, determined to redeem himself after a notorious final-corner collision in Beijing, showcased resilience and skill. Despite Speed’s relentless pursuit, Prost maintained his composure, securing his maiden Formula E victory and marking a significant milestone for the series in the U.S.
The Miami E-Prix was subsequently dropped from the racing schedule until this season.
Echoes of History: 2015 Long Beach E-Prix
Three weeks after Miami, on April 4, 2015, Formula E descended upon California for the Long Beach ePrix. Utilizing a modified version of the iconic Long Beach Grand Prix track, the event was steeped in motorsport heritage.Daniel Abt once again found himself at the forefront, starting from pole position.
However, his lead was short-lived as Nelson Piquet Jr. executed a decisive move at the very first corner, seizing control of the race. Despite the deployment of the Safety Car on two occasions, Piquet Jr. exhibited unwavering focus and dominance, leading from start to finish.
His victory was particularly poignant, occurring almost 35 years to the day after his father, Nelson Piquet Sr., clinched a Formula 1 win on the same circuit. This triumph not only underscored the cyclical nature of racing legacies but also propelled Piquet Jr. toward securing the inaugural Formula E championship title.
Redemption and Record-Breaking: 2016 Long Beach E-Prix
The following year, on April 2, 2016, Long Beach once again played host to the electric racing series. The event was rife with drama even before the lights went out. This elevated Sam Bird to the coveted pole position, with Lucas di Grassi lining up alongside him, separated by a mere nine-thousandths of a second, a testament to the razor-thin margins that define the sport.The race unfolded as a strategic duel between Bird and di Grassi.
By lap 12, di Grassi showcased his opportunistic racing acumen, overtaking Bird to claim the lead. The subsequent car swaps saw Bird attempting a comeback, but a critical error on lap 23, locking up and colliding with the tyre barriers, dashed his hopes. Amidst the on-track battles, the presence of Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio added a touch of celebrity glamour to the event.
Di Grassi’s victory was complemented by a historic achievement: Simona de Silvestro became the first woman to score points in Formula E, finishing ninth and breaking new ground for female representation in motorsport.
The Big Apple Embraces Electric Racing: 2017 New York City E-Prix
July 15 and 16, 2017, marked a historic chapter for Formula E as it ventured into the heart of New York City for the first time. The Brooklyn Street Circuit, set against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, provided a picturesque yet challenging venue for the double-header event. Tens of thousands of fans congregated in Red Hook, bearing witness to a masterclass in urban electric racing.
The weekend was particularly memorable for British driver Sam Bird. Despite initial scheduling conflicts that almost jeopardized his participation, Bird delivered an exceptional performance. His teammate, Alex Lynn, made an immediate impact by securing pole position in his debut qualifying session, a feat not achieved since Jean-Eric Vergne in Season 1.
Although Lynn’s race was curtailed by a driveshaft failure on lap 25, Bird rose to the occasion, clinching victory and etching his name as the first driver to win a motor race in New York City. He replicated this success the following day, starting from pole and dominating the race, thereby solidifying his status as a formidable force in the series.
A French Triumph in the City That Never Sleeps: 2018 New York City E-Prix
A year later, on July 14 and 15, 2018, the New York City ePrix served as the grand finale for the Formula E season, bidding adieu to the GEN1 era.
Jean-Eric Vergne entered the weekend as the championship leader, holding a 23-point advantage over his closest rival, Sam Bird. However, the unpredictability of motorsport meant that the title was far from decided. Vergne’s campaign faced an early setback when he was disqualified from a qualifying session due to an overpower infraction.
Bird, however, failed to capitalize on this opportunity, qualifying a disappointing 14th. Demonstrating resilience, Vergne carved his way through the field, overtaking Bird within 17 laps and ultimately finishing fifth, a result sufficient to secure his first Formula E World Championship.
The 2018 New York City ePrix was a defining moment not just for Vergne, but for the series as a whole, marking the end of the first generation of Formula E cars and the beginning of a new chapter in electric racing. His emotional celebration, draped in the French flag and standing on top of his car with the Manhattan skyline in the background, became an iconic image in Formula E’s history.
Meanwhile, Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler claimed the Teams’ Championship in dramatic fashion. A clean sweep of both races, including a 1-2 finish in the final round, allowed Audi to narrowly edge out Techeetah, capping a season full of intense battles and engineering excellence.
Wet and Wild: 2019 Brooklyn E-Prix
The 2019 New York City ePrix was another double-header, and this time it brought weather chaos, title-deciding tension, and some of the most memorable racing of the season. Jean-Eric Vergne, now defending champion, came into the weekend leading the standings again—this time with a tighter margin and fierce competition.
Race 1 was marred by multiple incidents, including a pile-up in the first few laps that forced a red flag. Mitch Evans and Lucas di Grassi were among the frontrunners, while Vergne found himself stuck in the midfield, trying to salvage points. As rain started to fall, the grip deteriorated and chaos reigned. Sebastien Buemi kept a cool head and took a commanding win, while the championship fight was thrown wide open.
In Race 2, Vergne pulled off a calculated and mature drive, finishing in seventh place, enough to secure his second consecutive championship.
He became the first back-to-back Formula E champion, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the electric era. The double-header weekend once again reinforced New York City’s reputation as a perfect finale setting for Formula E: unpredictable, energetic, and filled with high-stakes action.
Wet Weather Mastery: Cassidy’s Surge in 2022
The 2022 New York City ePrix added another layer of unpredictability with a dramatic wet-weather finish. Nick Cassidy put on a clinic in the rain-soaked streets of Brooklyn, showing incredible control and composure to take his first Formula E victory.
What made this race unforgettable was the chaos that unfolded behind him. A sudden downpour in the final laps led to a massive crash involving several title contenders. The red flag that followed solidified Cassidy’s win, but it also threw the championship into disarray. His emotional victory was a turning point for Envision Racing and proved that perseverance and adaptability are critical traits in Formula E.
Legacy of Formula E in the USA
Formula E’s footprint in the United States may not be as extensive as in Europe or Asia, but its impact has been profound. From launching the careers of electric racing legends to hosting championship deciders and technological milestones, races in the U.S. have consistently delivered.
More than just the racing, the American rounds have showcased Formula E’s values: innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. Hosting races in city centers like Miami, Long Beach, and New York enabled fans to connect directly with the sport, eliminating the barriers often associated with traditional motorsport.
These events have also played a crucial role in changing public perception of electric vehicles. The idea that EVs could be thrilling, fast, and part of a high-stakes international competition was brought to life in front of tens of thousands of fans, and millions more watching at home.
The Future: Will Formula E Return to the U.S.?
As of now, Formula E is seeking new American venues to continue its expansion and reach. Cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and even Las Vegas have been rumored as potential hosts for future races. Given the growth of EV adoption and infrastructure in the U.S., it seems inevitable that the series will return sooner rather than later.
The legacy left by the Miami, Long Beach, and New York City ePrix ensures that Formula E has a lasting presence in American motorsport history. And when it does return, fans can be certain that the next chapter will be just as electrifying.The Wrap From Prost’s breakthrough in Miami to Vergne’s back-to-back titles in Brooklyn, Formula E’s best moments in the U.S. have defined careers, tested limits, and thrilled fans around the world.
As the series gears up for its next era, with Gen3 cars, expanding global reach, and renewed commitment to sustainability, the memories forged on American streets will continue to inspire the future of electric motorsport.
