Business of Sport “We don’t need F1 to Fail for Formula E to be Successful” | Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO (Ep113)
Mar 31, 2026
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E and electric motorsport leader, discusses the rise of all-electric racing. He covers Gen3/Gen4 car development, city-centre race strategy, audience demographics, innovative race tactics like attack mode, commercial growth and how Formula E positions itself alongside traditional motorsport. Short, lively conversation about tech, tactics and building a disruptor sport.
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Bold Bet On Electric Racing Paid Off
- Formula E launched when global EV sales were tiny, betting early on electrification as a long-term tailwind.
- Jeff Dodds says the championship began with ~300,000 EVs sold globally and now reaches 400m+ fans as EV adoption scales.
A Younger Gender Balanced Fan Base
- Formula E attracts many fans who are new to motorsport: roughly 50% female and ~50% under 40–45.
- Dodds highlights younger, gender-balanced audiences drawn by close racing, tech and sustainability rather than legacy motorsport habits.
Success Of F1 Helps Not Hurts Formula E
- Formula E and Formula One can coexist; Dodds calls it an 'and, not an or' relationship and doesn't need F1 to fail.
- He argues a thriving F1 raises interest in all motorsport and benefits Formula E's growth.