---
title: "Ecclestone Calls on Liberty Media to Make Formula 1 Electric by 2021"
description: "The former F1 supremo says the current owners must \"have the balls\" to implement such drastic change."
date: "2018-02-25"
modified: "2018-02-25"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18780/ecclestone-calls-on-liberty-media-to-make-formula-1-electric-by-2021"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Bernie Ecclestone"
  - "Electric Vehicle"
  - "Formula 1"
  - "Liberty Media"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
---

# Ecclestone Calls on Liberty Media to Make Formula 1 Electric by 2021

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2017/06/bernie-ecclestone-hero-image.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The man responsible for turning a group of playboys who loved to drive [racecars](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18766/fernando-alonso-thinks-f1s-halo-shouldnt-be-a-debatable-issue>) around the world into a multi-billion-dollar global sport has chimed in once again with what he believes are helpful tips for improving Formula 1. And no, this time it doesn't involve awarding medals or artificial "rain."

Bernie Ecclestone has once again come out of pseudo-retirement to give his two cents on the present and future of Formula 1. According to [*Autoweek*](<https://autoweek.com/article/formula-one/bernie-ecclestone-wants-f1-join-electric-revolution-2021>), the former F1 supremo has suggested that the series must soon mutate into a sort of high-stakes, super-advanced electric racing series in order to remain relevant and maintain its share of worldwide viewership.

“It would be a Super [Formula E](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18181/di-grassi-second-gen-formula-e-car-could-surpass-186-mph>), if you like. You can make cars be like an F1 car and the only thing you would miss would be the noise, and I do not believe that people could not come up with something to make more or less the old F1 noise," said Ecclestone. “They (Liberty) would need to have the balls to do it today. I think they will have to do it.”

It's fair to say that the 87-year-old magnate has said a few outlandish things in the past, but there is some truth about F1's need to remain appealing to younger generations. Of course, taking [engine sound](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18573/heres-the-first-firing-of-mclarens-new-renault-powered-f1-car>) completely away from [Formula 1](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18766/fernando-alonso-thinks-f1s-halo-shouldnt-be-a-debatable-issue>) would be like taking all music, commentary and sound effects away at ball games. There simply wouldn't be any drama, excitement.

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)