Formula E team boss takes a dig: “Formula 1 belongs in a museum!”

Formula 1 belongs in a museum, says billionaire Andrew Forrest: he is calling for a showdown with Formula E, but what are the electric series’ chances?

Andrew Forrest has a clear opinion on Formula 1. He voiced it publicly at the launch of his new Formula E team, Fortescue Zero: Formula 1 belongs in a museum.

According to RacingNews365, Forrest said: “Formula 1 has its place. It should have a huge building with ‘Formula 1’ written on the front, built of limestone and illuminated. And it should be a museum.” At the same event, Forrest described Formula 1 as an “old dinosaur” that is “loud, smoky and smelly”.

Forrest challenges Formula 1 to a duel

However, the Australian marine ecologist, billionaire and founder of the mining company Fortescue did not stop at his verbal attack on Formula 1, but challenged the racing series to a spectacular duel: “I’d like to see Formula 1 go head-to-head with Formula E. And then we’ll just see how we get on.”

According to Forrest, Formula E’s new GEN4 car could hold its own against “any Formula 1 car”. “Let’s just put it to the test,” said Forrest. His argument: Formula E could only emerge as the winner from this particular head-to-head.

He said: “I don’t care whether we come first or second. What I do know is this: in a matter of months and years, we’re achieving what it’s taken them decades to do. And if we even come close, it’s over.”

Because “the younger generation” will, in the medium term, turn to “the most powerful, most spectacular, most technically advanced and most environmentally friendly form of racing there is – and that will be Formula E,” explained Forrest. “Formula 1 is brilliant, but time is running out for it.”

Formula 1 is more popular than Formula E

However, public perception is different: Whilst Formula 1 viewing figures in Germany are significantly below the levels of previous years, internationally the racing series continues to gain ground – particularly in the US, where three of the 24 races in the season are now held. Many circuits remain on the Formula 1 calendar for years to come, some even into the 2040s.

Formula E, meanwhile, continues to struggle to shake off its niche status. Although the electric racing series was granted official World Championship status for the 2020/21 season, its media impact is significantly lower than that of Formula 1, despite the fact that numerous well-known manufacturers compete in Formula E – including Opel and Porsche from Germany. However, compared to Formula 1, Formula E lacks, above all, high-profile drivers.

Formula E GEN4 versus Formula 1: A technical comparison

From a purely technical perspective, the all-electric Formula E is set to make significant progress for the 2026/27 season: The new GEN4 generation of cars delivers up to 600 kW (816 PS) in ‘Attack Mode’ and during qualifying, as well as 450 kW (612 PS) in regular race conditions. Added to this are permanent all-wheel drive and a regenerative braking capacity of up to 700 kW, which recovers energy during braking.

Formula E thus significantly exceeds Formula 1’s maximum energy recovery capacity of 350 kW. However, at a minimum of 954 kilograms without a driver, the GEN4 cars are considerably heavier than the 2026-generation Formula 1 cars, which have a minimum weight of 768 kilograms.

Formula 1 also remains ahead in terms of overall power: its new hybrid powertrains, comprising a 1.6-litre V6 turbo engine and an electric motor, have a nominal maximum power output of around 750 kW (1,020 PS).

Added to this are wider slick tyres and active aerodynamics with adjustable front and rear wings, which allow for high downforce or lower drag depending on the section of the track. Formula 1 is therefore likely to continue achieving significantly faster lap times.

Formula E, on the other hand, scores points with its all-electric powertrain, high energy recovery and the traction of its all-wheel drive – because it focuses on the combination of speed and energy efficiency.

How big is the difference on the racetrack?

Only in Monaco do both series use the same circuit layout. At other circuits, Formula E often uses a shortened version compared to the Formula 1 layout, which means a direct comparison – as Forrest envisages – is frequently ruled out from the outset.

In Monaco, however, there was a comparison in 2026: Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in Formula 1 qualifying there in a Mercedes with a lap of 1:12.051 minutes. Dan Ticktum in the Cupra was the fastest in Formula E qualifying with a lap of 1:26.222 minutes. However, Ticktum was still driving the GEN3 Evo at the time. The significantly more powerful GEN4 car will not be introduced until the 2026/27 season and is expected to reduce the gap of around 14 seconds.