From plotting on a napkin to racing around the world - the birth of Formula E

Twelve years and nine seasons ago, the Formula E championship was just an idea between two motorsport personalities.

On one end of the table, you had then-FIA president Jean Todt, and on the other, Alejandro Agag - the man who would become Formula E's founder. At a French restaurant, the two discussed the possibility of an all-electric racing series taking to the streets of major cities worldwide, showcasing that sustainable racing was indeed possible.

And the main points were famously written down on a napkin.

The evening of 3 March 2011 would change international motorsport's landscape forever because three years later, the first-generation Formula E cars lined up for the first race held at the Olympic Park in Beijing in 2014.

Driving down 'electric avenue'

When Formula E started out, 11 teams took to the proverbial stage. Each came from a different corner of the business world, but the allure of racing in an all-electric series was too hard to ignore. Suddenly, global companies could show and prove that they, too, care about the environment. But more importantly, they are sustainable.

The series travelled to nine countries in its first year, but the number grew as time went on, with 2022/3 (Season 9) visiting 12.

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December 2019 would be a big turning point for Formula E. Though the sport is backed by international motorsport's governing body, the FIA, it was never considered a world series. But it changed ahead of Season 7 when the FIA gave it 'World Championship' status.

Formula E raced on five continents and in 20 cities throughout its existence, with only Australia and Antarctica yet to host an e-Prix. It is believed that Australia is regarded as