Bernie Ecclestone has denied that Formula 1 cars will be all-electric in the pit lane from 2014 onwards, despite the regulations stating so.
The right’s holder believes such a scenario would be more than dangerous as the cars, entering the pit lane at speeds of 100kph without the engine running, could kill people if they’re unable to hear them.
“There’s no way that it will be electric in the pit lane,” he told the Express. “People could be killed because they won’t hear the cars coming.
“Formula 1 is absolutely not the right place to have electric engines,” he added. “It’s like having ballet dancers with sneakers. More comfortable, but it doesn’t work.”
He urged fans not to blame FIA president Jean Todt for the change in engine regulations, but rather his predecessor, Max Mosley, who ushered in the changes before he left the governing body.
“We can’t blame Jean Todt because this was started by Max. It was Max’s original idea. His idea is what is being promoted now,” concluded Ecclestone.