FIE President Jean Todt is convinced that Formula 1 will not become fully electric for at least a decade.
While the Formula E electric racing series is receiving increasing interest from fans and manufacturers, Todt is skeptical that battery-powered technology can , in the long run, meets the needs of Formula 1 as an elite motorsport class.
Todt believes instead that F1 should continue to focus on using hybrid engines – which not only reuse waste energy, but also can be much more environmentally friendly with increased use of bio-sustainable fuel.
“ Currently, Formula 1 can only think of hybrid engines,” Todt said. “You can't expect FE to replace F1. Today, there is no [električnega] race car capable of 300 km at the speed at which the race is in F1. “
“ It will be decades, if it ever happens, before this happens.”
“Today, hybrid is the right choice. The next step is to provide more environmentally friendly fuels. “
Todt's view is supported by Mercedes F1 engine manager Andy Cowell, who believes that the sport can achieve great benefits in the development of bio-sustainable technology in the future.
Talking to Motorsport.com about Todt's announcement that F1 will not be electric for decades, Cowell said: “It all depends on technology storage. If Lithium Ion is used then, its timeframe is correct.
“If you were to choose hydrogen, it can be done today, but the cars would be much heavier and far more bulky than are today. However, this is not the right path for Formula One at this time. “
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