Formula E's Agag not dismissing a merger with F1 in the future

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Formula E founder and chairman Alejandro Agag says a merger of the all-electric series with Formula 1 could happen at some point in the long-term future.

Launched in 2014, Formula E has succeeded in attracting major automotive manufacturers to its series as the latter's industry shifts to a more sustainable paradigm based on electric mobility.

Formula 1 has also moved to address sustainability and environmental concerns, having embarked on an ambitious plan to have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030.

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However, the pinnacle of motorsport has no intention of switching to electric power in the near future, especially as Formula E holds an exclusive license from the FIA as motorsport's top International single-seater electric series until 2039.

Yet Agag says the two categories could merge at some point in the future.

"I am a massive fan of Formula 1, I’ve always been," Agag said, speaking this week at the FIA eConference.

"I think electric is going to be the power train or the way to move cars around in the future. And Formula E has a 25-year-long exclusive licence for a single seaters on electric.

"So that for me puts the condition to some kind of understanding in the future. How that will happen, I don’t know."

In terms of sheer performance, Formula E's electric drivetrain is well behind F1's hybrid V6 combustion engine.

But Agag says that when the former evolves and is on a par with F1 in terms of performance, a merger could be on the cards.

"Once electric formula cars are as fast as combustion formula cars, I don’t really see the reason to race separately," he believes. "But I’m guessing that’s going to take a while.

"I may not be around or may be around but not have the responsibility I have now. Not imminent, but I think the conditions are there in the future for some kind of approach."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.