Formula E’s Attack Mode has gone from one extreme to the other

Perhaps the most substantial regulation change for the new Gen3 Evo era of Formula E is the introduction of four-wheel-drive via a new motor on the front axle of the car. It’s a system that’s enabled both at the start of a race and whenever a driver initiates Attack Mode, and any doubts there may have been about its impact were chucked firmly into the hedge when Nick Cassidy became the first driver of this new era to make the dive for the Attack Mode activation zone.

He was 11^th when he rejoined the racing line, and within three minutes he was leading the race.

It was almost comical as he sailed past helpless drivers who simply had no answer to his superior power and traction out of each corner. The performance differential was ludicrous, a far cry from last season’s relatively impotent Attack Mode, and it fills us with confidence that Season 11 of Formula E is set to be more unpredictable than ever.

The issue of Attack Mode has perplexed us for years now. It was the strategic element of an E-Prix most closely comparable to a Formula 1 pitstop. The regulations surrounding its use in Season 11 remain unchanged from last season, but the rule makers have been affirmed in their decision to increase its potency rather than mess with the regulations themselves.

We are of course working with a sample size of one, but the early indications suggest that we’ll be seeing plenty of action during Attack Mode phases this season.

It was somewhat frustrating in the past that this system, designed to give drivers a performance advantage, was instead most influential due to the disadvantage that would come from activating it in the first place. Too often drivers would choose to take a dose of Attack Mode when the risk of losing track position was at its lowest, because the possibility of making progress was minimal at best.

That, combined with the increased energy consumption of gaining additional power, meant that Attack Mode was generally a massive disadvantage that strategists would do their best to mitigate, the exact opposite of its original intention.

We’re looking at the other, very shiny side of the coin this season though, because suddenly a successful use of Attack Mode can transform a race. The strategy has shifted entirely from aversion of risk to maximisation of opportunity, a shift that is sure to reward bold strategy and aggressive driving and can only add more layers of entertainment to the show.

At first glance, this new form of Attack Mode has put the strategy decisions of the teams and drivers on a knife edge. Take it too early, and you’ll be a sitting duck later, leave it too late and a safety car could ruin your race. In previous seasons, Attack Mode was basically something drivers were keen to get out of the way as quickly as possible. Now, judging by the evidence in São Paulo, the possibilities are seemingly endless.

It bodes well for the rest of this championship, let's hope for more of the same as Season 11 of Formula E progresses.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.