F1 will NOT go all-electric, says Todt

F1 will NOT go all-electric, says Todt

Martin Macdonald

Friday 7 September 2018 11:27

FIA president Jean Todt has shot down the suggestion that Formula One could follow the example of Formula E and ditch traditional engines in favour of all-electric engines, saying the two motorsport disciplines are completely different from each other, calling the comparison "boring".

Formula E has enjoyed an increase in popularity in recent years, and is viewed as a completely different entertainment experience for fans, with races regularly taking place in urban city areas rather than race tracks.

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Recently, Ross Brawn of Liberty Media has speculated that there was "nothing to stop" Formula One becoming all-electric, but Todt did not even leave room for negotiation on that front, saying, categorically "that will not happen".

Todt provided his reasoning, saying the sports are different for a reason.

"We're talking about two completely different racing series," the FIA president continued.

"Formula E cars cannot develop the same speed as in Formula 1. It's one of the reasons the races are in the cities - it would not be interesting to see them at Monza for example.

"However, Formula E is developing well. The race distance can now be covered by one car. This shows that motor racing can not only be a show, but also a laboratory.

"But spending time comparing Formula E and formula one is just boring."