Culture news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Fortescue boss Forrest says Formula One should be in a museum
Fortescue founder Andrew Forrest says Formula One belongs in a museum, arguing that electric racing is the more technically advanced and environmentally friendly future. At the launch of his new Formula E team, he challenged F1 to race head-to-head against Formula E to compare their performance.
Fortescue Zero Racing, formed after buying Penske Autosport, is the first Australian-owned Formula E team. Its Gen4 car for the 2026/27 season is projected to reach 100 km/h in 1.8 seconds and 200 km/h in 4.2 seconds; Formula E says this is about 30 per cent faster than an F1 car. F1 began in 1950, while Formula E started in 2014; F1 says it has cut its carbon footprint by 35 per cent since 2018 and remains on track for net-zero carbon by 2030.
In short
- Andrew Forrest says Formula One belongs in a museum.
- He wants Formula E and F1 to race head-to-head.
- Formula E’s Gen4 car is projected to reach 200 km/h in 4.2 seconds.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Formula E offers a credible vision of motorsport that advances electric technology while reducing its environmental impact. A head-to-head race could test claims about performance fairly, and Forrest’s challenge may encourage F1 to respond to changing technology and climate concerns.
The case against
Formula One has a long history and a distinct sporting identity that need not be discarded as electric racing develops. It has reported substantial emissions cuts and a net-zero target, while Formula E’s projected speed figures do not alone settle which series is more compelling or technically advanced overall.