Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo has expressed his disagreement with Formula 1’s decision to align its rules closer to those of Formula E. Longo believes that F1 should stay true to its original principles, rather than following the electric championship’s lead. The recent overhaul in F1’s technical regulations, especially relating to the power unit, has sparked concerns among drivers, with some comparing the energy management requirements to that of Formula E. This change has led to criticisms from drivers like Max Verstappen, who referred to the new F1 cars as “Formula E on steroids.”
Despite being a fan of Formula 1, Longo feels that the championship might have made a misstep with its latest regulations, which he believes could potentially harm the overall spectacle and show. While Formula 1 drivers faced challenges with energy consumption during races, Formula E cars didn’t encounter similar issues, showcasing the differences between the two series.
Looking ahead, Longo discussed the possibility of Formula E becoming a testing ground for new circuits, especially with the upcoming Gen4 car in the 2026-27 season. He highlighted the flexibility of Formula E in terms of venue selection, pointing out that they could race in a variety of locations, unlike Formula 1. As both championships continue to evolve, Longo anticipates Formula 1 increasingly turning to Formula E personnel for their expertise in electrical technology.
In conclusion, as Formula E establishes itself as a platform for electric racing, the interactions and exchanges between the two championships are expected to grow. With Formula E drivers already assisting F1 teams and the potential for more collaborations in the future, the lines between the two series are becoming blurrier as they both navigate the electrified future of motorsport.
