Alejandro Agag: Motorsport Needs Open-Mindedness on Future Tech

The Visionary Behind Formula E and Extreme E

Alejandro Agag, a prominent figure in the world of motorsport, has taken on the role of Strategic Advisor to the Chairman of the board of Motorsport Network. This organization is the parent company of chrisinfotainment.blogspot.com, where Agag's journey in the racing world began. In 2011, he founded Formula E at the request of the FIA, transforming it into an FIA world championship. Over the past 15 years, the series has attracted numerous manufacturers, solidifying its place in the motorsport landscape.

Agag's ambitions extend beyond Formula E. He has ventured into electric off-road racing with Extreme E, a series that has now shifted its focus towards hydrogen technology. This move is set to make a significant impact in the near future. The pivot comes as major race series are reevaluating their propulsion technologies and considering the role hybrid internal combustion engines might play. For instance, from 2026, Formula 1 is set to increase its reliance on electric power and sustainable fuels.

In an interview, Agag emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind regarding combustion technology within motorsport. "Motorsport needs to be flexible," he said. "Formula 1 and Formula E are in amazing places. However, regarding future technologies, we must keep our minds open to which technologies will emerge as winners."

He believes electric power will be a crucial part of the future of racing. Sustainable fuels and hydrogen could also play significant roles, especially if the combustion of hydrogen can be perfected for use in racing. "The future is great, but we need to keep a very open mind to see what technologies we use and how we combine the different races."

The Future of Hydrogen Racing

Agag is particularly excited about the potential of hydrogen in motorsport. He mentioned that Extreme H, the first hydrogen championship in the world, will soon announce its first race. "It's coming very quick, and then we will have the first hydrogen racing in the world."

While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Agag believes being at the forefront of technological progress is the essence of motorsport. "It was the next frontier, and motorsport needs to always break new frontiers," he insisted. Hydrogen, according to him, is an amazing technology that will play a role in the mix of technologies for mobility in the future.

"The series will face a huge learning curve as the first of its kind, but that's why motorsport exists. It's a great test bed for hydrogen cars, charging systems, refuelling, storing, and transporting hydrogen. We're going to learn a lot, and that's what motorsport is about."

A Long-Term Vision for Electric Racing

Agag played a central role in securing a 10-year extension of the Formula E contract with the FIA, taking the series to 2048. With the fresh FIA mandate and investment from Liberty Global, the majority shareholder since last year, Agag feels the series is set up for long-term success. "We have had really good conversations with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem about the future, and I think it's great that we have an amazing shareholder in Liberty Global that has decided to invest and to extend the contract even more," he said.

"You need to look at electric with a long-term vision, and now we have it. I think that's exactly the right way to do it."

From Politics to Motorsports Entrepreneur

Agag's journey from politics to motorsports entrepreneurship is unique among his peers. He was elected a Member of the European Parliament at the age of 28. After a few years in the role, he moved into business and specifically media rights. This led him to motorsport, where in 2005 he became a shareholder in the Campos team running in the GP2 series (now known as F2). He acquired the team in 2008 and renamed it Addax.

During his tenure, the team brought through several drivers who reached F1, including Sergio Perez and Romain Grosjean. It was from this springboard that he moved into electric racing when the FIA called for a promoter for a new electric single seater series.

A regular at F1 races, Agag is an influential figure behind the scenes in international motorsports and among FIA circles. His vision and leadership continue to shape the future of racing, ensuring that motorsport remains at the forefront of technological innovation.