Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has suggested that the series has been in discussions with Ferrari about the iconic Italian brand potentially participating in the all-electric championship in the future.
Ferrari, a name synonymous with Formula 1, is gearing up for a monumental shift as it prepares to open its first electrification plant next month. This significant step towards the future of electric vehicles has sparked discussions about the iconic Italian brand possibly joining the all-electric Formula E championship.
The new ‘e-building’ in Italy, an ambitious project with a price tag of 500 million euros, has been under construction since 2022. This facility will not only produce batteries and a fleet of electric vehicles but also promote renewable energies and infrastructure, creating up to 250 jobs. South Korean company SK On, Ferrari’s partner since 2019, has been supplying battery cells for Ferrari’s hybrid models, including the SF90 Stradale and 296 GTB. With this partnership renewed earlier this year, Ferrari is now poised to take a more hands-on role in developing battery technology, aiming to roll out its first all-electric vehicle by the end of 2025.
These developments have caught the attention of Formula E. When asked by Autosport if Ferrari had been in talks with the championship, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds coyly responded, “Maybe.” He acknowledged Ferrari’s announcement of the new electrification plant and its plans for a purely electric vehicle line.
While Ferrari remains focused on F1 and endurance racing, having recently announced a venture into sailing, the potential foray into Formula E is tantalizing. Last season, Ferrari marked a triumphant return to the World Endurance Championship’s top class, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours outright for the first time since 1965 with the 499P Le Mans Hypercar.
As Formula E approaches its ten-year anniversary in 2024, several high-profile manufacturers, including Nissan, Porsche, and Jaguar, have committed to the Gen4 era beginning in 2026-27. Dodds is keenly aware of the prestige Ferrari would bring to the series. “I think having Ferrari involved would elevate the championship,” he said. “Ferrari brings motorsport credibility and a loyal fanbase, the tifosi, which is unparalleled. Their involvement would attract legacy motorsport fans to Formula E, adding significant value to our championship.”
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna highlighted the strategic importance of the new electric plant, stating, “The e-building represents the possibility of creating strategic components internally, building cars with more sustainable technologies, and embracing new technologies for the future.”
With Ferrari on the brink of a new electrified era, the potential collaboration with Formula E could signal a thrilling new chapter in motorsport.
