Share

Heidfeld defends Formula E after Vettel attack

BEIJING, China - Nick Heidfeld has defended the new Formula E series following criticism from within the F1 paddock.

F1's reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel slammed the electric-powered series - which kicked off on the streets of Beijing on September 13 with an all-star grid and global interest - as "cheese".

Ultimately, Heidfeld - a veteran of no less than 185 grands prix and 13 podiums - was arguably the star of the show, spectacularly crashing in a last-lap lunge to take victory from Nicolas Prost, the son of F1 legend.

'NOT A FAN OF FORMULA E'

Vettel said recently: "I'm not a fan of it (Formula E), and as a viewer I would not be interested."

Heidfeld, who drives for the team co-founded by Hollywood actor Leonardo Dicaprio, was asked by the German publication Spox to react to Vettel's attitude.

Heidfeld said: "I like Sebastian (Vettel) and I don't know in what context he said that but I think that Formula E cannot currently compete against formula one and actually it does not want to. 
The concept is quite different. But the series is justified when you consider the development of electric mobility and the interest the manufacturers have in it.  How successful it is, we will have to see.

"I think even formula one is currently struggling with some negative headlines, but it is the peak of motor sport and that will long remain the case. That doesn't mean that there can't be something else as well."

ITS 'PERFORMANCE IS MODEST'

It has been said that, at least for now, Formula E will never pose a danger to the success of F1 because of the speed of the cars.

In its report, Spox said the laptimes show that Formula E is "more Formula 3" than F1.

Heidfeld agreed: "Compared with F1, the performance is modest. We have almost 224kW in qualifying and the cars are 900kg. And the Michelin tyres we are using are not slicks, which is slower but we can use them in the wet and the dry.

"Ultimately they are normal single seater cars, which are always difficult to drive on the limit. But another reason I chose to race is because of the opponents - in terms of the quality of the drivers, we don't need to hide from F1."

'DIFFICULT TO GET INTO F1'

Heidfeld explained that the trend is therefore different to F1, where so-called 'pay drivers' are wielding unprecedented levels of power in the increasingly expensive sport.

Heidfeld said: "Compared to some years ago, the difference is obvious.  It is difficult to get into formula one now only with talent. I don't want to criticise the teams. Clearly they would prefer to sign drivers based only on what they can do on the track. They also have to pay them.

"F1 is too expensive for most of the teams, which is a shame but that's the way things are."

Finally, Heidfeld commented on the declining age of rookies in F1, with Daniil Kvyat, Max Verstappen and now Mercedes reserve Pascal Wehrlein all signed up as teenagers.

Heidfeld explained: "Basically, maturity and experience goes up the older you are. We saw that it worked out with Kimi (Raikkonen in 2001), but even he was older than Max.

"On the whole it would be better and safer if there is a minimum age in F1. Clearly it's possible that there are exceptional drivers like Kimi and maybe Max who can do it.

"But it is very difficult to predict beforehand."

Check out a preview of the crash below: Click on the gif to watch the clip



We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE