For many analysts and fans, Formula E is losing strength on its evolution due to the desertion of major manufacturers, such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. However, the electric series does not stop and has already introduced the third generation car, and historic drivers such as Antonio Félix da Costa assure that it is only a bitter pill to swallow that will be overcome.
Audi and BMW departed after the final round of the 2020-21 season in Berlin, while Mercedes will do the same at the end of the next season despite winning both drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
During an interview for Autosport, the Portuguese admits that it is not a positive situation, but he is confident that other top-level brands will soon arrive to replace the German giants.
Read also: Mercedes’ Novelties on their Farewell to Formula E
“I know that Formula E has enough power, name, reputation and talent to take a hit like this and push back, so I’m not worried,” he stressed.
He highlights that he has full confidence on Alejandro Agag, Alberto Longo and Jamie Reigle’s management to get around these difficulties and attract new manufacturers to bet big on Formula E heading into its eighth season.
A Different Audience
Despite having been on the track for several years now, the electric single-seater series has not yet been able to establish a solid audience. To a large extent, this is due to its peculiar regulations and format, which it has decided to change for 2022 with the aim of penetrating younger audiences.
On this particular issue, da Costa believes that Formula E should target new generations due to its innovative features that, to him, greatly differentiate fans from Formula 1, the top category of world motorsport.
“We already have the Attack Mode, we have the Fanboost. The new generation loves it and I am sure we will continue to innovate, so we have to target the new generations, the future of the sport, the future of the fans,” he said.
He also added: “We see where the world is going with blockchain, NFT, metaverse and Formula E is clearly ahead of everything in that sense.”
Participating in the series since its inception in 2014, da Costa is one of the pioneers of the category and a benchmark of the sport with his title in the 2019-2020 season. In campaign 8, which will start at the end of January, the Portuguese will surely be one of the main entertainers at the wheel of DS Techeetah.
Written by I Jhonattan González
