From: cleoabram
Formula 1 faces significant challenges in adapting to electric car technology due to various factors, including technological limitations, fan expectations, commercial interests, and an exclusive licensing agreement.
The Existential Dilemma [00:01:14]
The increasing global transition to electric cars in racing poses an existential threat to Formula 1. While consumer vehicles are rapidly shifting to electric power, Formula 1 cars are not fully electric [00:00:32]. This is problematic because Formula 1’s funding and appeal rely on major companies investing in and advertising their “cutting edge car tech” to promote consumer car sales [00:00:38]. If the technology showcased in Formula 1 becomes outdated, the sport risks losing its purpose and financial investment, becoming akin to horse racing [00:00:47].
Governments worldwide are moving towards banning new gas car sales; California has already implemented this, and the entire European Union plans to do so by 2040 [00:00:53]. By 2040, owning a car with a tailpipe might be as anachronistic as owning one with a car phone [00:01:09]. This technological shift creates a critical juncture for Formula 1, which is meant to showcase the future of automotive technology [00:01:19].
Barriers to Full Electric Conversion
A decade ago, when the idea of an electric racing series was first discussed, several factors prevented Formula 1 from simply switching to electric cars:
- Battery Limitations: Formula 1 races require cars to cover at least 305 kilometers (190 miles) in under two hours [00:03:07]. Around 2011, electric car batteries lacked the capacity to meet these demands [00:03:13].
- Resistance to Change:
- Fan Backlash: Modifying the core nature of the sport to accommodate electric technology was feared to anger “millions of rabid F1 fans” [00:03:18].
- Manufacturer Opposition: In 2011, most major car companies involved in Formula 1 did not produce electric vehicles and were unwilling for the sport to change [00:03:23]. This situation exemplifies an “innovator’s dilemma,” where the incumbent fears threatening its existing successful model [00:03:28].
The Formula E License
Instead of converting Formula 1, the FIA (the governing body of motorsports) created a new, separate championship: Formula E [00:03:41]. Formula E was granted an exclusive 25-year license to be the only fully electric racing championship [00:03:59]. This license commenced with Formula E’s launch in 2014 and expires in 2039 [00:04:10].
This means that Formula 1 cannot become fully electric without violating this license [00:04:04]. While Formula 1 implemented a hybrid powertrain in 2014, incorporating a turbo engine and two electric motors [00:08:45], it cannot be “purely electric” [00:08:58]. Although Formula 1 could theoretically become 99% electric and 1% fuel, and the next generation of engines is moving towards a 50/50 split [00:09:06], a complete transition to electric is prevented by the existing agreement with Formula E [00:09:12].
This situation creates a “collision course” between Formula 1 and Formula E, as Formula 1 needs to represent the future of cars to remain relevant, while Formula E holds the exclusive rights to fully electric racing until 2039 [00:04:22].
Future Outlook [00:13:15]
The ban on combustion cars in the future means that Formula 1 faces a significant challenge if it cannot race with the same technology being sold to the public [00:12:58]. The future could involve a merger between Formula 1 and Formula E, or one buying the other [00:13:19]. Despite the challenges, both championships are actively working on developing better technology for everyone [00:13:25].