Formula E co-founder sends clear message to F1 over electrification direction

18:00, 22 Feb

byTobia Elia

Formula E co-founder and CCO Alberto Longo believes Formula 1 is doing the all-electric racing series “a great favour.”

“They’re actually doing us a great favour with this push towards electrification. I always want Formula 1 to do well”

- Alberto Longo

The 2026 Formula 1 regulations have been a major talking point for quite some time, largely due to the new 50-50 split between electric and combustion power introduced this year — a change that has divided opinion, as Formula 1 continues to lean increasingly towards sustainability.

In an interview with MARCA, Longo said Formula 1’s increasing focus on electrification is also having a positive knock-on effect for Formula E.

“We’ve been working with energy management concepts for a long time already. Personally, and speaking humbly, I think they (Formula 1) should focus on their own championship, because we hold the licence to be a fully electric series.

“That said, they’re actually doing us a great favour with this push towards electrification. I always want Formula 1 to do well, because when Formula 1 thrives, it ultimately benefits us too.”

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen refuses to backtrack on 'Formula E on steroids' sharp dig

Quizzed about the remarks that set the paddock alight and triggered widespread debate, the Dutchman insisted he had simply expressed his views openly, stressing that he was only sharing his personal opinion and that, in his view, everyone should be free to speak their mind.

He went on to explain that others were not obliged to agree with him, but maintained that he had merely answered a question honestly and felt fully entitled to do so. He added that any criticism or backlash was beside the point, emphasising that his intention was simply to be transparent about how he felt.

Read the full story here.