Formula E flattered by critical words from Helmut Marko and Chase Carey

Formula E can easily coexist with Formula 1, which has been proven by now. Since the automotive industry is shifting its focus to electric driving, it seems that Formula E is becoming an increasingly important platform. In the first place to promote electric driving and on the other hand of course because it is innovative. Nevertheless, it can still often count on criticism.

Red Bull Racing will never make the switch

At the end of last year Helmut Marko, team advisor at Red Bull Racing, was asked if Red Bull was considering switching to Formula E. Marko replied that they are not going to do so, because they are "racing purists" and besides that the electric sport does not fit in with the activities of the energy drinks brand.

Marko was quite critical, because he stated that Formula E is a distraction for the diesel scandal in the car industry. Chase Carey of Liberty Media also commented on Formula E and said at the time that they do not see it as a threat to Formula 1. It's mainly "a social cause and, you know, it's a street party."

The definition of motor sport

Formula E didn't want to react at the time, but Motorsport.com now has an official reaction a long time later. Jamie Reigle, chief executive of Formula E, says to the medium: "I think the important word in that [Marko] statement is ‘purists’. There’s a definition of what motor racing was and therefore to people who have that view of what it should be."

"In my mind, the beauty of motor racing is that it is this tradition of sport and technical innovation. We believe we’re pushing the edge of it and fundamentally if you look at the number of manufacturers coming into the championship, the drivers, how competitive it is, the fact that most races we have there’s a different winner… to me that is the definition of sport."

With this Reigle makes an important distinction, because in Formula 1 it is mainly Mercedes that dominates. In that sense Formula E is more competitive, because the differences are much smaller. In conclusion Reigle says: "It’s flattering that Chase and Marko decide they should talk about us."