The Brits Tearing Up Formula E: From Villa Fanatics to Love Island WAGs

By Lewis Barnett 18 May, 2025 8 mins read 99 Views

I've spent the past few weeks following Formula E's electric circus around the globe, and let me tell ya - the Brits are absolutely DOMINATING this season. Rowland's smashing it so hard I'm starting to feel sorry for everyone else.

Tokyo just wrapped up, and wow. Just wow.

Hear the Summary

Rowland: The Quiet Destroyer

There's something almost unsettling about Oliver Rowland. The Barnsley lad is absolutely demolishing teh competition this season, but you'd never know it from his demeanor. I caught up with him after Tokyo where he extended his championship lead to a ridiculous 77 points. His response? A slight smile and mumble about "doing my talking on the track."

Classic Rowland.

Back in 2018, I watched him testing for Williams and thought he might be F1-bound, but Formula E seems to suit his style perfectly. What's fascinating is seeing this reserved bloke transform into a ruthless competitor behind the wheel. After races, while others are doing media circuits, he's usually found with his daughter Harper perched on his knee or sneaking off for "a few beers" with his inner circle.

The contrast between his quiet personality and aggressive driving is what makes him so damn interesting to watch.

Dan Ticktum: Motor Racing's Problem Child Finding His Feet

God. Where do I even start with Ticktum?

If Rowland is the quiet assassin, Ticktum is the guy who'll tell you exactly how he plans to murder your lap time, then do it while screaming profanities. The 25-year-old Londoner finally grabbed his first podium in Tokyo, and I genuinely felt happy for him.

I've followed his career since he was banned for that ridiculous safety car incident (deliberately crashing into a rival... who DOES that?). He's like a ghost at a family reunion - everyone knows he's trouble but can't help watching him.

Last season in Jeddah, his radio rant went viral for all the wrong reasons. My editor bet me £20 I couldn't get through an entire interview with him without him swearing. I lost that bet within 30 seconds.

But here's the thing - Formula E seems to have given him something he never found in Red Bull or Williams' academies: a home. The series suits his aggressive, no-nonsense approach, and Tokyo might just be the first of many podiums.

The Schumacher Apprentice Who Could've Been a Footballer

Sam Bird is possibly the most interesting character in the paddock. At 38, the McLaren driver has stories that make me green with envy.

Did you know he was Michael Schumacher's apprentice? Yep. When Schumacher made his Mercedes comeback in 2010, Bird was there as test driver. The Twickenham lad even went skydiving with his childhood hero. I asked him about it last month, and the way his eyes lit up... you could tell those memories are priceless.

What's even wilder is that Bird nearly became a footballer instead. AFC Wimbledon wanted him, but he chose racing. Imagine the sliding doors moment there!

These days he's dating former Love Island star Jess Impiazzi and spends his downtime with his two dogs - Buddy (a cavapoo) and Bear (a golden doodle). I spent an afternoon at his place last year and those dogs are treated better than most humans I know.

Porridge, Villa and Cats - The Most Brummie Driver Ever

Jake Hughes makes me laugh every time I talk to him. The Maserati driver is Aston Villa OBSESSED. During a rain delay in Monaco, we ended up having an hour-long debate about their chances in Europe next season. Poor guy nearly missed his engineering briefing.

I've never met anyone so committed to porridge. Seriously. The man brings his own special oats to every race weekend. When I asked why, he looked at me like I'd suggested he drive backwards: "It's my routine, innit?"

At home, he's all about his two cats, Benny and Ollie (nicknamed Boo Boo and Bear). His fiancée Abby showed me about 300 photos of them last time I was in the Maserati garage. I nodded politely through all of them.

The Baby-Faced Norwich Kid Making History

Taylor Barnard makes me feel ancient. At just 20, the Norwich lad became the youngest driver in Formula E history when he debuted at 19 years and 331 days old.

What's scary is his junior record - he finished second to Mercedes' wunderkind Andrea Kimi Antonelli in both the 2022 ADAC German Formula 4 Championship and 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship. That's like being runner-up to Messi twice.

McLaren clearly see something special in him. I watched him during testing in Valencia last winter, and there's a maturity to his driving that belies his baby face. One to watch.

The Champion and His Jet-Setting Chihuahua

Jake Dennis is living the dream, adn I'm not just talking about being the most recent British Formula E champion.

The 29-year-old Andretti driver has the most glamorous life of all the Brits. Monaco residence? Check. Private jet? Check. Tiny dog that travels everywhere with him? Double check.

His chihuahua Billy has probably flown more air miles than most humans. I once spotted them boarding a private jet after the Monaco E-Prix, Billy tucked under Dennis's arm like the world's smallest VIP.

Born in Nuneaton, Dennis came up through karting and eventually competed in GP3 against Charles Leclerc in 2016. While Leclerc went on to Ferrari F1 glory, Dennis found his niche in Formula E, claiming the title in 2022-23.

Formula E might not get the attention of its fuel-guzzling cousin, but as the world's first net-zero carbon footprint sport (certified back in 2020), it's definitely where racing is heading. And with six British drivers currently in the mix, there's plenty for UK fans to cheer about.

I'll be trackside for the next race in Portland. Can't wait to see if Rowland continues his dominance or if Ticktum's newfound podium form continues. Either way, the British invasion of Formula E shows no signs of slowing down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain how Formula 1 uses telemetry?

Telemetry, in Formula 1, is a sophisticated data transmission system. It transmits real-time information from the cars directly to the engineers stationed at the pit wall. These data include information about the engine, brakes and tires, fuel levels, driver input, and more. Engineers use the telemetry system to monitor and analyze car performance. They also make strategic decisions and identify issues before they are critical. Telemetry can be used to maximize the performance of a car and its driver during a race.

What's the purpose of the new Formula 1 halo?

The halo device is a safety feature introduced in Formula 1 to protect the driver's head from debris and impacts. It is made of titanium and sits on top of the cockpit. It is capable to withhold significant forces. The halo was incorporated into the design of modern Formula 1 cars to demonstrate their commitment to driver's safety.

What are the benefits of hybrid engines in Formula 1?

Energy Recovery System or hybrid technology is a significant feature of Formula 1. It improves engine performance and efficiency. ERS harnesses energy typically lost during braking and heat dissipation, storing it for later use. It allows drivers additional power from both a Heat Energy Recovery System (HERS) and Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This can be used to assist in overtaking maneuvers as well as defending track positions.

How do the rules of Formula 1 influence car design and technology?

Formula 1 rules or regulations set by the FIA influence car design and technologies. These regulations contain parameters for vehicle dimensions and engine specifications. They also specify aerodynamic elements, security features, and other factors. Teams must constantly innovate within these constraints to find competitive advantages. Rules evolve to promote closer racing, safety advancements, and sustainability goals, directly influencing technological developments within the sport.

What improvements have been made to the fuel efficiency of Formula 1 engines in recent years?

Fuel efficiency in Formula 1 engines has improved through several key innovations. Turbocharging allows for smaller displacement engines to produce greater power with less fuel. Direct fuel injection provides precise fuel delivery for better combustion efficiency. Energy Recovery System systems (ERS) are used to capture and reuse wasted energy. This reduces fuel consumption. The efficiency and sustainability of F1 power units are improved by these and other innovations.

What measures are Formula 1 taking to become more sustainable?

Formula 1 has taken several steps to become more sustainable. One of the major initiatives is the transition to biofuels. The goal is to achieve a carbon footprint net zero by 2030. The sport is working on advanced fuel technologies that reduce greenhouse gasses. Efforts around logistics, such as carbon offsetting and greener travel methods, are being implemented. F1 is also working with partners to improve the recyclability of components and reduce waste.

Statistics

The drag reduction system (DRS) can increase a Formula 1 car's straight-line speed by approximately 12-15 km/h when activated.
The energy recovery system (ERS) in modern Formula 1 cars can provide up to 161 horsepower of additional power for approximately 33 seconds per lap.
Modern Formula 1 car chassis are required to withstand a frontal crash test with a peak deceleration of no more than 25 g.
Formula 1 tires lose weight during a race due to wear and degradation, with up to 0.5 kg shed from each tire.
In 2021, Formula 1 announced its plan to have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, which includes the cars, on-track activities, and the rest of the operations.
Formula 1 races on average have over 300 sensors on a car, generating more than 1.5 billion data points over a race weekend.
Formula 1 engines can rev up to 15,000 RPM, a decrease from the 18,000 RPM limit set prior to the 2014 regulation changes.
Wind tunnel testing for Formula 1 cars is limited by regulations, with teams only allowed a maximum of 40 hours of running per eight-day aerodynamic testing period.

External Links

How To

How to Analyze Formula 1 Telemetry Data

Formula 1 telemetry analysis requires a structured approach. Teams collect information on tire wear and engine performance. Start by understanding what the different data streams reveal about the performance of the car. Study the software used by engineers for interpreting telemetry, and use this information to understand how changes in the setup of the car affect lap time. Learn how data-driven strategies can be shaped by understanding the impact of race-driven decisions.