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

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.

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.