Formula E Attack Mode, which will be known as Attack Charge was introduced in the 2018-2019 season of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. The 2023 season will see the same rules as it did in the inaugural year.
What is Formula E Attack Mode and How does it work?
Attack Mode is a temporary power boost that drivers can activate during a race to increase their speed and overtake other competitors.
The 2018/2019 Formula E season saw the introduction of Attack Mode, a feature that allowed drivers to enhance their car’s power output at their own risk, and added an extra element of strategy to the sport. Formula E drivers must decide when and how often to use it each race. Previously, teams were notified how many times Attack Mode can be activated, how long it would last for, and the minimum number of times each driver could use it, 60 minutes before the race began. However, there may be changes on the horizon. So far, it has been well-received by fans and has helped to make Formula E races a bit more exciting and unpredictable, elements the series needs if it will withstand the test of time.
Activation of Attack Mode requires drivers to arm their car, drive off the race track line and through the Activation Zone. In return for taking a less optimal racing line through the corner, drivers are rewarded with an additional 50 kW of power, bringing their total power output to 350 kW from the standard 300 kW. This extra speed can be utilized by drivers seeking to increase their competitiveness and advance their position on the track. According to the Formula E website, the duration for which Attack Mode can be activated is determined by the FIA and announced prior to the start of the race.
What is the Difference Between Formula 1 “DRS” and Formula E “Attack Mode”
Both Attack Mode and DRS (Drag Reduction System) are features that are used in the Formula E and Formula 1 series to increase overtaking and improve the overall racing experience. However, there are some key differences between the two.
One of the main differences is the way in which the features are activated.
In Formula E, Attack Mode is activated by the driver by driving off the racing line and through a designated Activation Zone. In Formula 1, DRS can be activated by a driver when they are within one second of the car in front of them at designated DRS zones on the track.
Another difference is what happens when the features are activated.
In Formula E, the race car receives a boost of power while in Attack Mode. In Formula 1, DRS temporarily allows drivers to increase their pace on the straights by reducing the aerodynamic drag on the rear wing of their car through. This is done through a slot that can be opened.