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Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo says F1 is making a “mistake” by adopting energy management-heavy rules, urging the sport to stay true to its roots.
Mechanics push the car of Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll in the pits (AFP)
Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo believes Formula 1 is heading down the wrong path with its new technical regulations — arguing the sport should stay true to its own identity, rather than drift closer to the all-electric championship.
F1 has introduced sweeping rule changes this season, overhauling both the chassis and power units at the same time. The biggest shift comes from the engine formula, where the electrical component now contributes up to 50% of the total power output.
The increased reliance on electric power has forced drivers to focus heavily on energy management, drawing comparisons with the strategy-heavy racing style that has long defined Formula E.
Speaking to Motorsport, Longo acknowledged the growing attention around the debate but suggested F1 may be compromising its spectacle in the process.
“I think there is a very old saying in Spanish that says, ‘let them talk’. It’s good to make noise always. So if you’re in the mouth of the people, it’s because you’re important, and definitely we feel like that,” Longo said.
While stressing he remains a fan of F1, Longo questioned whether the championship’s direction is the right one.
“The only thing I can say is, as I always say, I’m a big fan of Formula 1,” he added. “I definitely believe that they decided to go for certain regulations that probably are damaging their spectacle and their show a little bit.”
“But the problem is that they try to become more Formula E.”
“In my opinion, as a fan, I think they are making a mistake. I definitely believe that they should stick to what they are, to their principles.”
Verstappen Criticism Finds Support
The regulatory shift has also drawn criticism from within the F1 paddock.
During pre-season testing, Max Verstappen slammed the new rules as “anti-racing” and described the format as “Formula E on steroids.” — voicing out his frustration, particularly about the 50-50 power split.
Following the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, several drivers, including reigning champion Lando Norris, echoed those concerns too.
Now, Formula E champion Sebastien Buemi, who also works as a Red Bull simulator driver, has also sided with Verstappen’s assessment.
“Yeah, I do,” Buemi told RacingNews365 when asked if he understood Verstappen’s frustration.
Buemi believes that shift challenges the sport’s traditional philosophy.
“It is one thing to care in the race… but to have to manage that variable in qualifying, I fully understand his comment of it not being as pure as Formula 1 always was, which is to go as fast as you can.”
March 11, 2026, 23:44 IST
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