Beyond a partnership – how SABIC and Formula E are collaborating for the future of electrification

As part of a series showcasing the shortlisted entrants for Brand Partnership of the Year at the Autosport Awards, we look at how SABIC is working closely with Formula E as a Principal and an Innovation Partner

Change. Accelerated. The two-word mantra by which Formula E operates as it looks to move the everyday automobile closer to an electric future – a process now advancing even faster with SABIC’s support.

SABIC, a global leader in diversified chemicals, has been a key technical partner of Formula E’s GENBETA programme since its inception. The live development platform is aimed at showcasing the advancement of electric racing innovations and in turn, how these innovations transfer into electric road vehicles.

Drawing on its material science expertise, SABIC has contributed to the design and production of four key applications in the GENBETA prototype car, enhancing aerodynamics, speed and performance.

The 2024 season-ending London E-Prix provided a fitting showcase for the collaboration between Formula E and SABIC. The finale, which saw Pascal Wehrlein crowned world champion, marked the unveiling of SABIC’s fourth integrated component in the GENBETA car.

Formula E approached SABIC with a challenge concerning the onboard camera system's ability to transmit footage, particularly under extreme heat conditions depending on the circuit. SABIC responded by developing the T-piece, a small but critical cover, using its advanced thermoplastics, improving stable transmission of the onboard camera feed.

This partnership exemplifies how Formula E and SABIC collaborate to overcome technical challenges, emphasising innovation beyond traditional sponsorship, and contributing to the evolution of electric racing technology.

SABIC’s partnership with Formula E, through the GENBETA platform, has a strong B2B focus.

It provides the company with a prime opportunity to create compelling industry-focused content that demonstrates its commitment to serving customers. SABIC’s technical specialists also present its innovations to stakeholders within a branded space in the Official Cars Garage at every Formula E race.

Given the overarching ambition of Formula E, it is no surprise that many of the partners and sponsors of the series are B2B brands, rather than customer-facing operations.

SABIC’s work with Formula E earned the company a place on the five-strong shortlist for the Brand Partnership of the Year at the Autosport Awards on January 29.

Kate Bevan, a member of the judging panel and a former Director of Hospitality at F1, offered her take on SABIC’s nomination.

“It is a well-articulated explanation of what SABIC do with and for Formula E,” she said.

“This is not always easy with ‘technical’ or B2B partnerships but it explains clearly how SABIC is helping Formula E in their continuous drive to develop better racing cars and then trickle the technology down to road cars – a good case study for technical partnerships.”

In this article
Mark Mann-Bryans
Autosport Awards
Be the first to know and subscribe for real-time news email updates on these topics