Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has given his verdict on the revolutionary changes set in Formula 1 for 2026.
The pinnacle of motorsport is preparing for its biggest technological change for decades as it moves to become more sustainable.
The new regulations will see the powertrains have a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, whilst also using 100% sustainable fuel.
The 2026 cars will see a sizeable difference from the current models, with it being lighter and smaller to promote better racing and overtaking. Downforce and drag have also been reduced in the hope of improving efficiency and handling.
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Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has praised Formula 1 for their move to become more sustainable
The excitement about the changes coming to F1 have brought about a number of concerns.
One of the main issues, according to the drivers and team principals themselves, is the weight reduction and subsequent speed of the car.
Another is the move to electrical power, which while it will significantly decrease the championship’s carbon impact as it races on 24 tracks across the world, many have said it is moving more towards Formula E, or even copying its concept.
FE has the legal right to be the FIA’s only fully electric racing category, which means F1 can never move towards full electrical power, and CEO Dodds even questioned if it could go beyond ‘50/50’ with ICE.
But Dodds, speaking with RacingNews365, praised F1 for going more sustainable and that he would ‘never criticise’ anyone for this idea.
He said: “So on one hand, we have the exclusive right to race electric. On a different hand, the more electric they go, the more they validate our technology, which I think is interesting.
“And on the third hand, the more sustainable they become using E-fuels and becoming hybrid, I, if I was wearing it, I would tip my proverbial cap to them, because good on them trying to make their series more sustainable.
“I mean, in the end, I’ll never criticise anybody for this, trying to reduce their carbon impact on the world. And one of the ways they’re trying to do that is in E-fuels and in hybrid.
“They’ll never be all electric, which is our USP (unique selling proposition). I think you could argue it steps on our toes, you could also argue it fully validates our technology choice. So I don’t mind those odds.”
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Season 11 of Formula E is set to be the most anticipated campaign yet
FE is set for its most exciting season to date in 2024/25 with the introduction of the GEN3 Evo car.
The new machine will revolutionize electric racing technology, with it being capable of driving at more than 200mph and going from 0-60 in 1.82 seconds.
This makes the GEN3 Evo the fastest accelerating car in a FIA championship, with it being 36% faster than the GEN3 spec and even 30% faster than a current F1 car.
There are six seats up for grabs for Season 11 as Pascal Wehrlein looks to defend his title with Porsche.