Formula E may be the future, but it can never replace Formula 1

In recent years, a common refrain in the automotive world has been: “The future is electric.” I largely agree with this statement when it comes to daily transportation. However, I do not believe the same sentence applies to motorsport, especially when the subject is Formula 1.

As a Formula 1 fan, I have never warmed to the idea that Formula E could replace Formula 1. That is because Formula 1 is not merely a racing series. It is a culture built over decades, a passion, and a legacy to which millions have been devoted since childhood.

What makes Formula 1 special is not just the speed of the cars. The sound of the engines you hear when you turn on the television on race day, the drivers pushing their limits, the thrill of pit stops, and the atmosphere of historic circuits form the soul of this sport. The roar of engines echoing across Monza’s straights, the legendary corners of Spa, or the narrow streets of Monaco are not just races; they are living chapters in the history of motorsport.

This is where Formula E’s greatest problem begins.

Formula E may be technologically impressive. Electric motors can deliver high torque, offer energy efficiency, and are more environmentally sustainable. But motorsport is not only about engineering. It is also about emotion.

The sound of a Formula 1 car is felt in the stands. It vibrates in your chest. You hear the engine before you see the car approaching. The atmosphere of a race is experienced not only with your eyes but also with your ears and even your body. In Formula E cars, much of this sensation is lost. You can see on screen how fast the car is going, but you cannot feel it.

Moreover, Formula 1’s increasing adoption of electric-assisted systems in recent years has sparked controversy. Although hybrid power units and energy recovery systems represent impressive engineering innovations, many fans have continued to miss the character and sound of the old engines. Post-race discussions focused more on energy management than engine noise led some viewers to feel that Formula 1 was drifting away from its essence. Even some drivers have criticized the growing weight of the cars and the excessive dominance of energy management in race strategy. If even a deeply rooted organization like Formula 1 still faces debate over electrification, it seems overly ambitious to claim that a fully electric series can become the future of all motorsport.

Some argue that people will eventually grow accustomed to this change. But an important point is often overlooked: people do not always desire the new. Sometimes, people long to relive the emotions of the past.

Today, millions still watch videos from the V10 and V12 eras. A significant portion of the most shared Formula 1 clips on social media are from years ago. This is not merely nostalgia; it is the emotional impact those times left behind. The engine sounds, aggressive driving, and the pushing of mechanical limits are integral parts of Formula 1’s identity.

Furthermore, Formula E’s use of street circuits is a significant drawback for me. Formula 1 has legendary circuits. Just the names Silverstone, Suzuka, or Monza evoke excitement for any racing fan. Yet most Formula E circuits consist of similar city streets, which weakens the character of the races.

As a student of electrical and electronics engineering, I have great interest in electric vehicle technologies. Battery systems, power electronics, and energy management are among the most important engineering fields of the future. But admiration as an engineer is not the same as excitement as a fan.

Formula E may be technologically impressive, but technological superiority alone is not enough to make it the pinnacle of motorsport. It must touch people’s hearts. Formula 1 has done this for decades.

Therefore, I believe Formula E will grow, evolve, and build its own audience. But I do not believe it will ever dethrone Formula 1. Because Formula 1’s rival is not another racing series—Formula 1’s rival is its own history.

And some legacies endure not through technology, but through passion.