Chase Carey and Alejandro Agag Rivalry Begins

Earlier in the week, Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag claimed that in the future, Formula E would be more popular than Formula 1. F1 CEO Chase Carey obviously didn’t take too kindly to the comments and hit back. Undoubtedly, Formula E has grown in leaps and bounds over the course of 4 seasons. The all-electric series is slowly becoming more popular with fans and attracting the attention of a number of prominent manufacturers. These include the likes of Mercedes and Porsche. Agag made a rather bold statement that the championship would be the only motorsport series remaining in the next 20 years.

Responding to Agag’s comments, Carey said, “I’m glad he [Agag] has a crystal ball. Formula E is not our competitor. It represents something that matters to all of us – the environment – but I see it as more of a street party than a sports event. People who’ve been there say they had fun because there was music and good food, but Formula 1 is watched worldwide and we now have the opportunity to take it to a new level. And I believe other series can help us, because they create interest. But the top series is and remains Formula 1.”

This isn’t the first time the 2 series have called each other out. FE jokingly welcomed F1 to the 21st century following the latter’s removal of grid girls last month. Alejandro Agag’s comments could be seen as a touch of complacency as Formula E is admittedly popular, but Formula One has the seniority. The latter has been around for 68 years and the former is entering it’s 4th year. While it is true that more manufacturers are flocking to Formula E, Formula One still has a massive fanbase.

Neither series is perfect as both have their fans and detractors and both have encountered a few teething issues. For example, F1 had been embroiled in the HALO controversy for a couple of years dating back from when the idea was proposed. Formula E had to contend with bigger problems like circuit venues being unwilling to host a GP to protests about the Fanboost.