Emerson Fittipaldi believes that System E has established itself as a high various to System 1 for drivers seeking to additional their careers.
Whereas the F1 discipline will enhance to 11 groups in 2026 with the addition of the GM/Cadillac-backed entry and not less than two rookies will be part of the grid subsequent yr, with some drivers’ careers lasting longer, there stays a basic bottleneck for younger expertise. Two-time F1 world champion Fittipaldi feels that System E can present a reputable refuge to these drivers — and people in off-track roles — that allows their careers to proceed progressing.
“I feel it’s nice to have a class like System E, as a result of there’s so many drivers need to go to System 1 however can’t,” he stated. “Then you’ve got [WEC] Hypercar [and] Le Mans). System E may be very good for the long run — some skills can’t go to System 1, why not then have an expert life doing one of the best they’ll do for his or her life and for the game?”
Fittipaldi stated the electrical sequence has firmly established itself amongst motorsport’s elite classes.
“I feel it’s one of many large sequence, that’s going to be greater and greater for the long run, with a a lot quicker automotive, tougher for the drivers, don’t have a lot downforce,” stated the Brazilian legend. “It’s tough to deal with.
“The people who work right here [and] vice versa can assist. An excellent man from System 1 can come right here to assist a group. An excellent man from a System E group can go to System 1, as drivers or group members for certain. It’s extraordinarily aggressive right here.”
Simon Galloway/Motorsport Photos
Fittipaldi additionally prompt that System 1’s ongoing recognition growth is one thing that may have a knock-on profit to different classes and that the fixed evolutions to System E will solely assist speed up that.
“System E goes the fitting path, loads of pleasure for the long run,” he stated. “The pit cease in Jeddah [with the] recharge, will probably be dynamic for the racing. Some luck, some technique — you solely can cease one automotive at a time. It’s going to create some issues for the group managers, the drivers.
“And I feel motor racing globally goes to develop — from karting, all of the classes. With Netflix, every thing that’s occurring now, Lewis [Hamilton] driving for Ferrari — I stay in Italy now, Italy goes to cease to observe Lewis Hamilton drive the Ferrari! I feel System E has adopted this large rising of motorsport globally and loads of younger drivers [are coming]. There’s a brand new motivation globally.
Andrew Ferraro/Motorsport Photos
“The ’26 System E automotive goes to be a lot quicker. That’s going to be quicker than the System 2 automotive in Monaco — very thrilling. When you have a look at the automotive going by on the straight, it’s very spectacular, the pace that they go.
“System E, with no telemetry, the motive force has to provide data, has to really feel the automotive within the ass. Motor racing is sport and science, however System E is making an attempt to maintain sport extra evident for the drivers. They’ve superb drivers — in the event that they don’t carry out, [they’re] out. It’s not that the daddy may be very rich.”
