Mitch Evans expects Formula E to eventually close the popularity gap to Formula 1 as the series becomes more relevant for manufacturers.
The all-electric series has seen different car manufacturers and private teams come and go over its seven seasons.
Those confirmed for next season already include Porsche, Mercedes, Nissan and Jaguar.
Formula E’s appeal for manufacturers is primarily its push for developing sustainable and road-relevant technology.
“It’s quite unique for a motor sport championship to be so relevant to the motor industry,” Evans told RNZ.
“We’re literally testing the future tech for what we’ll see on the road in the coming years.”
Formula E is only the second series the FIA has granted world championship status.
The other is Formula 1.
However, Formula 1 has a massive fan following. It has also witnessed a subtle push to becoming a more sustainable race series.
By 2030, Formula 1 aims to be a net-zero carbon championship.
Still, Evans believes that over time Formula E will slowly become more popular with F1 fans.
“Formula One has built up a huge fan base over the decades, and it has a lot of history. However, I expect Formula E to bridge the gap.
“I was brought up with V8s and combustion engines and petrol, but times change, and we’re in this massive revolution in the automotive industry, and now the motorsport industry. So you have to be open-minded.
“The great thing about Formula E is just how unpredictable and exciting the racing is and it’s only going to get faster.”
The Kiwi says the road-going relevancy of Formula E for manufacturers will be another drawcard for more fans.
“Hydrogen is the next fuel solution that a lot of big manufacturers are looking into, but definitely for the near future EV’s are going to be leading the way.
“The budgets in Formula One are huge, and the technology is completely irrelevant to anything you see on the road.
“Formula E is affordable for manufacturers.”
Evans is in Berlin this weekend for the final round of the 2020/21 season, where he could potentially claim a first world title.
Read more: Cassidy and Evans in shot of winning Formula E title this weekend
