– Formula E boss Jeff Dodds believes his racing series is currently helping Formula 1 better understand its new regulations, which he thinks have been unfairly criticized. Max Verstappen, for example, had said that Formula 1 was “like Formula E on steroids”.
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Dodds is convinced, however, that both series are currently benefiting. Several Formula 1 teams have now secured the support of experienced Formula E drivers for their testing and development work, such as Nyck de Vries and Nick Cassidy.
“There’s growing interest in the paddock to understand the car,” reveals the Formula E boss at the presentation of the new Gen4 car, which is said to be almost as fast as Formula 1. “All Formula 1 drivers like to drive everything. Therefore, there’s interest in driving the car.”
“I find it interesting that interest in the respective racing series seems to be growing for different reasons,” adds Dodds. “Formula 1 comes to Formula E because it helps drivers understand energy recovery, battery charging, and driving a different type of vehicle.”
When Formula 1 runs well, it benefits everyone
“Furthermore, Formula 1 drivers are interested in simply trying out a new electric car with significantly more power.” The current Formula 1 regulations faced strong criticism after the first three races of the new season, which is why initial changes have now been implemented.
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“A successful Formula 1 is good for all of motorsport,” emphasizes Dodds, who does not criticize the recent adjustments. “When Formula 1 is going well and everything is going according to plan, it benefits all of us, because it brings new fans, new viewers, and new enthusiasm for motorsport.”
Formula 1 rule changes are “a very strong sign”
“So we want them to continue to be incredibly successful. Maybe they haven’t perfected everything yet and will work on it, but it means more people are talking about electric racing, renewable energy, battery charging, and battery regeneration during the race.”
“That has to be good for us,” adds the Briton. “We are entering a new regulatory cycle and with a new fourth-generation car, just like in the third generation, and it takes time to break in a new car and a new format on the track.”
“I think people were quite harsh in their initial assessment of the Formula 1 season,” says the Formula E boss about the fierce criticism of the premier class. “But the fact that they react so quickly to it is a very strong sign for motorsport.”
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