Ecclestone predicts F1 will lose fans to Formula E

Bernie Ecclestone believes Formula 1 fans will soon switch over to Formula E thanks to its focus on racing in destination venues and the growing complexity of F1. Ecclestone sold F1 to Liberty Media in 2017, with the Americans struggling to deliver on promises to grow the sport since.

FE has grown quickly in popularity since launching in 2014, and has attracted giants of manufacturing including Nissan, Audi, Jaguar and BMW, with Mercedes set to join next year.

Meanwhile, Formula 1 is struggling to attract new manufacturers, despite a planned regulation revamp in 2021.

And Ecclestone believes the trend could end up being replicated across the motorsport fanbase too.

Asked by France's Auto Hebdo for his wishes for F1's future, Ecclestone said: "To be better. I don't want the sport to have any problems.

"I recently spoke with the head of one of the teams and told him 'be careful with Formula E'. I can see this championship winning back some of the fans from Formula 1.

"If the residents of large cities have nothing to do on the race day, they can buy an inexpensive ticket and take the whole family."

With Formula 1 celebrating the 1000th World Championship race in China this weekend, Ecclestone believes the current state of the machinery taking to the track may also serve to turn people off.

"I don't know how many of those at the grands prix understand modern Formula 1," he said.

"Go around in China and ask them how many cylinders the engine has or how much fuel they use. How many power units can the teams use per season. They won't know the answer to any of those questions."

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