Formula E Chief Criticizes F1's Electric Shift, Urges Sport to 'Stay True'

Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo believes Formula 1 is making a strategic mistake by moving its technical rules closer to those of the all-electric championship, arguing F1 should "stay true to its principles" of noise and raw power. His comments come after F1 drivers, including Max Verstappen, compared the 2026 cars' energy management challenges to those in Formula E, with the Red Bull star dubbing them "Formula E on steroids." Longo suggests this convergence is damaging F1's spectacle while positioning his own series as the true expert in electric racing technology.

Why it matters:

The public critique from a top Formula E executive highlights a growing identity crisis at the pinnacle of motorsport. As F1's hybrid power units become 50% electric, the fundamental differences between the two premier racing series are blurring. This raises critical questions about each championship's unique selling proposition and long-term vision, potentially confusing fans and diluting the distinct experiences each aims to deliver.

The Details:

• Longo responded to comparisons from F1 drivers by stating, "let them talk," suggesting the attention validates Formula E's importance, but he clarified his criticism stems from being a fan of F1.
• He directly stated that F1's new regulations are "damaging their spectacle and their show a little bit" as they get "closer and closer to us."
• Technical Contrast: A key point of divergence is energy deployment. F1 drivers in Melbourne reported running out of electrical energy on straights, while Formula E cars can use high-power "Attack Mode" for up to six minutes without losing straight-line speed.
• Core Identity: Longo framed the issue as one of principle: "They are noise, they are full power... this is what Formula 1 is about. We are a completely different proposition... the problem is that they try to become more Formula E."
• Venue Flexibility: Looking ahead, Longo positioned Formula E as a potential testing ground for circuits, especially with the more powerful Gen4 car arriving in 2026/27. He argued FE's flexibility allows it to race in unique city locations like former venues in Brooklyn or Paris, where F1 could not.

What's Next:

The technological convergence is expected to accelerate a talent and knowledge transfer between the series.

• Longo predicts F1 teams will increasingly "fish" for Formula E personnel—engineers, technical staff, and even drivers—to gain expertise in electric powertrain management as the hybrid element grows.
• Formula E's upcoming Gen4 era aims to allow racing on wider, more traditional tracks, further blurring the operational lines between the categories and potentially making FE a direct R&D platform for electric racing technology that influences other series.