Formula E Chief Advises Formula 1 to Reaffirm Core Identity Amidst Hybrid Convergence

Formula E co-founder and Chief Championship Officer, Alberto Longo, has voiced strong reservations regarding Formula 1’s strategic move to align its technical regulations more closely with those of the all-electric series. Longo asserted that Formula 1 risks damaging its unique spectacle and show by veering away from its fundamental principles, advocating for the pinnacle of motorsport to "stay true to its principles" rather than attempting to emulate the electric championship.

The comments come amidst significant anticipation surrounding Formula 1’s upcoming technical overhaul, particularly the 2026 power unit regulations. These future rules are set to dramatically increase the electrical component of the power unit, with electricity projected to account for up to 50% of the total power output. This shift represents a substantial departure from the current V6 turbo-hybrid era, which, while incorporating hybrid technology, still heavily relies on the internal combustion engine. The move towards greater electrification is largely driven by Formula 1’s commitment to sustainability, attracting new manufacturers like Audi and re-engaging existing ones with a more relevant technological platform for road car development. For example, Audi is set to join the grid in 2026, partnering with Sauber, while Ford has announced a partnership with Red Bull Powertrains, highlighting the industry’s focus on hybrid and electric powertrains.

The proposed changes have already drawn criticism from within the F1 paddock. Red Bull Racing’s reigning world champion, Max Verstappen, notably described the envisioned 2026 grand prix cars as "Formula E on steroids" during pre-season discussions. His remarks highlighted concerns among drivers about the potential for increased energy management to dictate racing strategy, possibly at the expense of pure, unadulterated speed and continuous maximum power deployment. Drivers frequently manage fuel and battery deployment in current F1 races, but the scale of energy management under the 2026 rules is expected to be far more extensive, potentially leading to scenarios where cars must actively conserve electrical energy during straight-line performance.

When asked by Motorsport.com if such comparisons were disrespectful to Formula E, Longo responded with a pragmatic perspective. "I think there is a very old saying in Spanish that says, ‘let them talk’," Longo stated. "It’s good to make noise always. So if you’re in the mouth of the people, it’s because you’re important, and definitely we feel like that." This indicated Formula E’s confidence in its established position and its role in shaping the future of electric motorsport. Since its inception in 2014, Formula E has carved out a niche as the world’s premier all-electric single-seater championship, attracting major automotive manufacturers such as Porsche, Nissan, and Jaguar, and fielding a grid of 11 teams and 22 drivers. Its races are typically held on challenging street circuits in major global cities, offering a distinct urban racing experience compared to F1’s more traditional permanent circuits.

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Despite his critical assessment of F1’s regulatory direction, Longo maintained his appreciation for the sport. "The only thing I can say is, as I always say, I’m a big fan of Formula 1," he affirmed. However, he reiterated his belief that the decisions regarding the new regulations "probably are damaging their spectacle and their show a little bit." Longo highlighted Formula E’s established expertise in electric powertrain management. "I think they are getting closer and closer to us. We do not have exclusivity, but we do have expertise already on that." Formula E, currently in its Gen3 era, features cars with 350kW (approximately 470hp) of power in Attack Mode and sophisticated energy recovery systems. Drivers are accustomed to managing battery state-of-charge throughout a race, utilizing regenerative braking and strategic power deployment to maximize performance.

A key point of divergence observed between the two championships lies in energy management during races. Formula 1 drivers, even with current hybrid technology, have reported difficulties maintaining electrical energy levels on straights, particularly on circuits with fewer heavy braking zones crucial for energy recovery. For instance, reports from the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne have sometimes indicated drivers struggling with energy deployment on longer straights, forcing them to lift and coast or manage their power delivery. In stark contrast, Formula E cars are engineered to sustain high power outputs. Drivers in Formula E can utilize the higher power Attack Mode (350kW) for several minutes – typically six to eight minutes per race, depending on track configuration – without experiencing a loss of speed on straights. This capability is a testament to the specialized design of Formula E’s powertrains and energy storage systems, optimized for continuous high-performance electrical output.

Longo firmly advised Formula 1 to reconsider its path, suggesting a return to its historical identity. "I think they need to be back to where they are. They are noise, they are full power, they are breaking the latest [technologies], this is what Formula 1 is about," he asserted. He emphasized that Formula E offers a fundamentally different proposition. "We are a completely different proposition. We have been presented like that since day one. It’s not one or the other; it’s both of them. But the problem is that they try to become more Formula E. In my opinion, as a fan, I think they are making a mistake. I definitely believe that they should stick to what they are, to their principles." This statement underscores a vision of two distinct championships coexisting, each catering to different aspects of motorsport and technological innovation, rather than converging into similar entities.

Looking ahead, Longo sees Formula E playing a pivotal role as a testing ground for electromobility. With the introduction of the more powerful Gen4 car in the 2026-27 season, which promises enhanced performance and battery capacity, Formula E is expected to further push the boundaries of electric racing technology. Longo believes Formula 1 will continue to observe and learn from Formula E’s advancements. "I think they will study what we do, as they have done in recent years. Obviously, we are very advanced in terms of the specific technology we use," he commented.

Furthermore, Longo highlighted Formula E’s superior flexibility regarding race venues. Unlike Formula 1, which requires extensive, purpose-built circuits or heavily modified road courses with specific infrastructure, Formula E is designed to race on temporary street circuits in urban environments. "As for the venues, on the other hand, they have a very established way of looking into venues and they know exactly what they need. On the contrary, I think we are way more flexible. We can race in every single type of venue," Longo explained. He cited examples like the former Brooklyn ePrix in New York or the Paris ePrix, events that would be logistically and infrastructurally impossible for Formula 1. While Formula E has certain limitations, they are generally less restrictive than those faced by Formula 1. Longo also noted the evolution of Formula E circuits; while historically focused on tight street tracks, the upcoming Gen4 cars will enable racing on wider tracks. For instance, Formula E currently races on a shorter configuration of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, distinct from the longer layout used by Formula 1. However, with Gen4, Longo anticipates that Formula E could potentially utilize the full, longer circuit without issues, bridging a gap in track capabilities. "So yeah, I think we are basically going to be the test platform for electromobility in general, for electric racing," he concluded.

The increasing reliance on electrical technology in Formula 1 is also expected to lead to a significant migration of talent from Formula E. Longo anticipates that F1 teams will increasingly seek out personnel with specialized expertise in high-performance electric powertrains. "As Formula 1 is becoming more electric or becoming more hybrid, definitely I’m sure there will be fishing in our power in terms of technical people, engineers, even drivers, why not?" Longo speculated. "They will try to steal all those people from our teams and manufacturers, for sure." Several Formula E drivers already contribute to Formula 1 teams through simulator work, offering valuable insights into energy management and hybrid system optimization. This trend is expected to intensify as the technical demands of F1’s future regulations draw closer to Formula E’s core competencies, fostering a unique symbiotic relationship between the two premier open-wheel racing series.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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