– Is Formula 1 moving too much towards Formula E? At least Formula E boss Alberto Longo thinks that Formula 1 is making a mistake by trying to get so close to the electric championship. He thinks they should “stay true to their principles”.
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The rule changes for the 2026 season have led to more comparisons than ever being drawn between the premier class and Formula E. The increased importance of the electric component (up to 50 percent) has led drivers to already compare the necessary energy management with that of Formula E.
At a media event, Longo was asked if he felt the Formula 1 references to the electric category were disrespectful. His answer: “I think there is a very old Spanish proverb: ‘Let them talk’. It is always good to generate attention. So if everyone is talking about you, it’s because you are important – and that’s definitely how we feel.”
Longo makes it clear that he himself is a Formula 1 fan, but that is exactly why he feels a mistake has been made there: “The only thing I can say – and I always say this – is that I am a big fan of Formula 1. But I definitely believe that they have decided on certain rules that probably harm their spectacle, their show, a little bit.”
“I think they are getting closer and closer to us. And in this area, we not only have exclusivity but also already the necessary expertise.”
Formula 1 should stay “with its principles”
In Formula E, the cars drive in the so-called Attack Mode for up to eight minutes with increased power without the system breaking down at any point – unlike at the Australian Grand Prix in Formula 1, where cars lost power after a few straights.
F1: Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) 2026
When asked about this, Longo says: “Yes, we can drive for eight or six minutes in Attack Mode, and the car doesn’t break down, it doesn’t slow down. I think Formula 1 has to go back to where it belongs: full power, latest possible braking points – that’s what Formula 1 is all about.”
“We, on the other hand, are a completely different concept. That’s how we’ve presented ourselves from day one. It’s not an either-or, there’s room for both. But the problem is that they are trying to become more like Formula E. In my opinion – as a fan – they are making a mistake. I firmly believe that they should stay with what they are, with their principles.”
Will the tracks overlap soon?
Another question Longo is asked is whether Formula E could serve as a testing ground for new Formula 1 tracks in the future, especially with the introduction of Gen4 cars, which will reach even higher speeds.
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Longo believes that F1 will continue to watch Formula E closely, but the requirements remain fundamentally different: “I think they will study what we do, as they have already done in recent years. Obviously, we are very advanced in terms of the specific technology we use,” he says.
“When it comes to venues, on the other hand, they have a very established approach and know exactly what they need. We, in turn, are much more flexible. We can race on almost any type of track.”
“Of course, we have certain limitations, but not the same as they do. I actually believe that Formula 1 couldn’t even carry out most of our attempts. Remember when we raced in Brooklyn or Paris – Formula 1 could never have held an event there.”
Although there are now tracks like Mexico City, Shanghai, or Monaco where both series race, according to the Formula E boss, there are still differences: “In Mexico, for example, we use a completely different track layout than they do – they couldn’t drive on our small variant at all,” he explains.
“They could say the same about us, that we couldn’t drive on the long track, but that will change. From next year, we could easily use the long track layout in Mexico.”
Longo sees his series as a pioneer overall and believes that Formula 1 could help itself to it: “As Formula 1 becomes more and more electric or hybrid, I am sure they will fish in our pool – in terms of technical staff, engineers, and even drivers,” he says.
“Why not? They will certainly try to poach these people from our teams and manufacturers.”
