Formula E's Agag: Honda withdrawal 'bad for motorsport'

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Formula E founder Alejandro Agag says the news of Honda's departure from Formula 1 at the end of 2021 is a big blow for motorsport as a whole.

Honda announced on Friday that it will conclude its partnerships with Red Bull Racing and AlphaTauri at the next of next year, leaving the energy drink company's teams in need of a new engine supplier.

Honda says its decision was rooted in the paradigm shift of the automobile industry and a strategic need to devote its engineering resources to electric cars, alternative energy and its quest to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

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"I see it as bad news for motorsport in general," Agag told Reuters. “I don’t see this as good news for Formula E and bad news for Formula 1.

"We in Formula E also need Formula 1 to be successful because we don’t see each other as competitors. We see each other as on the same boat and competing against tennis, football and other sports."

Honda not considering a move to Formula E

Honda president Takahiro Hachigo said the Japanese manufacturer would maintain its presence in IndyCar and in other motorsport categories, but dismissed an entry into Formula E, at least for now.

"If one manufacturer leaves motorsport, it doesn’t mean it’s going to come through another door to us," said Agag.

"It may stay out of motorsport altogether so that’s not good news."

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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.