For quite some time now, there has been talk of Formula 1 (F1) following the path of other motorsport series and moving towards electric power.
It only seemed like a matter of time, seeing that electric cars were becoming increasingly popular.
We’re also seeing so many road car manufacturers shift to battery-electric powertrains.
But it’s not going to happen.
At least not for a very long time. In fact, the idea of F1 soon being fully electric is “simply not possible,” says outgoing Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt.
This is how long an F1 race really is
Todt, who has played a big role in motorsport for decades now, explained that the current technology simply isn’t capable of meeting the demands of Formula 1 racing.
He said that a normal F1 race covers about 200 miles, and even with the advancements in electric car technology, no electric powertrain can handle such distances at the high speeds required without needing a recharge yet.
“In Formula One, a race distance is about 200 miles…Maybe in 20 years, 30 years, I don’t know. But at the moment it would be simply impossible.”
This statement settles it then: even as the world moves towards electric power, Formula 1 will stick with its internal combustion engines (ICE) for the near future.
F1 rejecting full electrification may be disappointing to some, but the sport is not exactly doing ‘bare minimum’ when it comes to sustainability.
Yes, engines will still run on fossil fuels for now, but F1 still has big plans to make the sport more environmentally friendly.
But F1 will still be environmentally friendly, here’s how
From 2026, the focus will shift towards the use of synthetic fuels, which are being developed to be zero-emission.
These fuels are being developed to deliver the performance that F1 demands while still reducing the environmental impact. Stefano Domenicali, F1’s CEO, shared that the group believes that F1 can still achieve zero emissions without the need for electric engines or replacing the entire fleet of vehicles.
“There is a fuel that can also be used for planes and ships,” Domenicali explained. “Zero emissions can be achieved without having to change engines or throw away the entire fleet of vehicles that already exists.”
Domenicali said that this move towards synthetic fuels shows that F1 is still committed to cleaner racing, but it doesn’t mean the end of the traditional roaring engine sound that fans love.
The decision to stick with combustion engines aligns with Todt’s views on the issue. Todt said that electric cars may not be the only answer to achieving sustainability.
He shared his concerns over political pressure pushing the transition to electric cars too quickly, forcing consumers to invest in new technology they may not be ready for.
He said: “How can a pensioner be forced to spend 30 or 40 thousand euros, perhaps all his savings because his old car is suddenly outlawed and an electric car has to pass?”
He is not wrong.
Will F1 see a female driver soon?
Of course, Todt was commenting on a larger conversation happening in the automotive world. Even manufacturers like Toyota have questioned the rush towards full electrification.
Full electric F1 cars are off the table, and as such, the sport is attracting other major players. The shift to synthetic fuels has helped bring new manufacturers into F1, including Ford and Audi, with Porsche also still eyeing a 2026 entry despite a failed deal with Red Bull Racing.
And with all these changes, we can see that F1 is working hard towards a more sustainable future, also working hard to make the sport more inclusive. New doors are opening for more people from all walks of life to be a part of the action. Could F1 therefore see a female driver soon? That still remains to be seen.
