Formula E co-founder says F1 risks spoiling its spectacle by going hybrid: “They will try to steal our people”

Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo is one of many figures in motorsport who has expressed his displeasure with the new F1 rules. Longo has voiced concerns that F1 could be spoiling its spectacle if it follows a route similar to Formula E. Adding another interesting layer to the debate, he has also hinted at what might follow this change - the movement of drivers and experts from Formula E to F1.

Formula E co-founder says F1 moving closer to Formula E

Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo confirmed that he is a big fan of Formula 1 while sharing his concerns amid the struggles surrounding the new F1 rules. The 2026 F1 season began with the Australian Grand Prix and saw drivers from Max Verstappen to Lando Norris complaining about flat batteries, overtaking issues and more.

“I definitely believe that they decided to go for certain regulations that probably are damaging their spectacle and their show a little bit. I think they are getting closer and closer to us. We do not have exclusivity, but we do have expertise already on that,” Longo said in an interview with Motorsport.com.

He also explained that, unlike F1 cars, Formula E cars do not slow down due to braking and can remain at top speed during Attack Mode. Further reminding Formula One of their strengths, he said, “I think they need to go back to where they are. They are noise, they are full power, they are breaking the latest [technologies], this is what Formula 1 is about. We are a completely different proposition. We have been presented like that since day one. It's not one or the other; it's both of them. But the problem is that they try to become more Formula E.”

Will Formula E experts be summoned to F1?

“I'm sure there will be fishing in our power in terms of technical people, engineers, even drivers - why not? They will try to steal all those people from our teams and manufacturers, for sure,” Alberto Longo added.

Meanwhile, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds and Lola Yamaha ABT driver Lucas Di Grassi have already shared their views on F1 cars going hybrid, similar to Formula E. Dodds even invited Red Bull champion Max Verstappen to take a test drive of the GEN4 car, which will go on track next year.

Verstappen recently called for the need for “proper F1 cars on steroids” after finishing sixth at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Also read: Lucas Di Grassi calls for FIA modernisation after backlash to new F1 rules: “I want to see pure performance”