Formula E CEO takes a jab at Formula 1: "Soon they will race in IKEA parking lots"

17/03/2024 21:04

In a historical period where everyone dreams of hosting a Grand Prix in their own nation, Formula 1 seems to be embracing the direction of the electric category more and more, with the number of city circuits on the calendar increasing exponentially in recent years. The latest new entry in this regard is the Madrid Grand Prix, which from 2026 will return to Formula One the calendar with a semi-permanent track in the IFEMA-Valdebebas area.

Some also believe that this trend is not accidental, with Formula 1 seeming to be increasingly oriented towards city circuits, especially in light of the new regulations for the 2026 championship, which will see a significant increase in electric power, balancing out the internal combustion unit part.

Speaking of electric, Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, took the opportunity to take a light jab at the most important motorsport series in a recent interview for the motorsport.com website: “Formula 1 can go from big racetracks to city circuits for two reasons. The first: they are trying to attract new fans, which is positive for them. The second: the car is slower than in the past.” – he pointed out.

“Our cars are becoming much faster. So, to show all our potential, we can’t do it on some street circuits anymore. With the Gen3.5, with a maximum speed of over 320 km/h, we can’t show all our potential on some circuits.” – the Formula E chief executive officer added.

“We need other ‘circumstances’ to show our technology. If you wait a bit, you’ll see Formula 1 racing in IKEA parking lots, something like that.”

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Of the 24 Grand Prix races scheduled for the 2024 Formula 1 season, a whopping 8 will be held on city circuits, with the addition of Madrid in 2026 to the already existing Jeddah, Melbourne, Miami, Monaco, Montreal, Baku, Singapore, and the much-debated Las Vegas.

Source: f1ingenerale

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