Alberto Longo, co-founder of Formula E, expressed his belief that Formula 1 should maintain its original principles rather than align its regulations with those of Formula E. The recent technical overhaul in F1, especially the shift towards electrical power units, has drawn comparisons to Formula E. While some drivers, like Max Verstappen, have criticized F1’s direction, Longo remains a fan of the championship but suggests that F1 might be damaging its spectacle with new regulations that bring it closer to Formula E.
One significant difference highlighted by Longo is the energy management aspect, where F1 drivers in Melbourne faced challenges with electrical power while Formula E cars did not encounter similar issues. Formula E can retain its higher power output for longer periods without losing speed, a feature that F1 is struggling to replicate. Longo emphasized the uniqueness of both championships and suggested that F1 should stick to its core values instead of trying to emulate Formula E.
In terms of potential future collaborations, Longo sees Formula E as a testing ground for new circuits, especially with the introduction of the Gen4 car in the 2026-27 season. He believes Formula E’s flexibility in venue choices and technical expertise could provide valuable insights for F1 as it transitions towards more electric and hybrid technologies. Additionally, Formula E drivers and personnel could become valuable assets for F1 teams seeking expertise in electrical engineering and electric racing.
As Formula E continues to evolve and showcase electromobility advancements, Longo predicts that F1 will increasingly look to the electric championship for guidance and talent recruitment. The complementary relationship between the two series could lead to a more integrated approach to electric racing in the future, benefiting both championships and advancing the development of electric technology in motorsports.
