“Bernie should have taken control of Formula E” – Is a merger likely between Formula 1 and Formula E this decade?
Formula E is the new 7-year-old kid on the block, compared to its elder brother Formula 1, which completed 7 decades last season. The father of the younger kid, Alejandro Agag, wants Formula E to merge with Formula 1. Otherwise, it will continue as a separate entity for 19 more years, at least.
“Bernie [Ecclestone] should have taken control of Formula E, created it inside the fence and controlled it so they could decide where to take it. Formula E is very different in terms of the level of prestige and audience to Formula 1, but I still think the future is a merger between them. I don’t know when this will happen and if the shareholders will want to do it.
“But I think Formula 1 needs to make the transition to electric and if it doesn’t do something with Formula E they can only do that in 19 years, because that’s when our license ends – supposing they get a license – and that’s too late. We got the rights for 25 years, we’ve done six and we have another 19.”
Your 60 second highlights from our second race under the lights in Diriyah.
Read the full race report here 👉 https://t.co/2WsDFaqdPh#DiriyahEPrix pic.twitter.com/BSsb9jtJ0W
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) February 27, 2021
Toto Wolff wants Formula 1 and Formula E on the same weekend
Toto Wolff has a slightly different proposition – to have both the races on the same weekend. If this is somehow agreed, it may lead to a merger, something which Agog wants. With FE gaining popularity, it remains to be seen which side will bend first, and more.
“Both companies ultimately belong to the same man – John Malone [chairman of Liberty Media]. What has failed so far is that both platforms are trying to position themselves in the best possible way.
“If one day synergies are possible, you could already drive together on a race weekend – for example on the street circuits. I think that’s a great thing, but it needs the approval of all stakeholders and that is – as we know – not easy in motorsport.”
Also read: Alpine and Lotus announces collaboration covering Formula 1, Formula E and Endurance
