Jul.15 (GMM) Former Formula 1 driver Jean-Louis Schlesser has joined those fiercely attacking the sport’s increasingly electric direction, dismissing claims the controversial 2026 regulations make Formula 1 environmentally responsible.
The 77-year-old Frenchman, who raced in Formula 1 in 1983 and 1988, agrees with those who say the current balance between combustion and electrical power has gone too far.
“It’s a shame that electronics dominate racing,” Schlesser told Mundo Deportivo.
“It’s worrying, because the engine should never have more than 40 percent electrical components.”
He also rejected Formula 1’s efforts to present the new generation of cars as environmentally friendly.
“It’s nonsense to say that Formula 1 is environmentally friendly,” Schlesser said.
“If they don’t want to have environmental problems, they should stop all the racing. “Half-electric cars and all that crap? That’s going down the wrong path.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem is pushing for simpler, lighter and cheaper engines for post-2030, with V8 power and a reduced hybrid component among the leading proposals.
Schlesser, however, doubts the major manufacturers will accept such a dramatic reversal.
“I don’t really believe it,” he said.
“Many manufacturers, to curry favour with their board of directors, sell the idea that the car is eco-sustainable. That’s why Audi entered F1, for example.
“Perhaps they’ll try to bring in BYD, but a V8 would be a dream, and a V10 would be even better, although I don’t think it’s going to happen.”
Schlesser competed in only two grands prix, but remains best known in Formula 1 for colliding with Ayrton Senna while being lapped at Monza in 1988, denying McLaren a clean sweep of that season’s races.
“Senna was very close to my gearbox and I had no choice,” he recalled.
“If I had lifted off the throttle, he might have tailgated me. So it was simply bad luck.”
Schlesser said Sir Frank Williams called him at short notice to contest that race after Patrick Head requested him for the car.
“Frank called me to ask if I could be in Italy on Friday to drive,” he said.
“He said, ‘I have a list of ten drivers who want the seat. I’m calling you because Patrick Head wants you in the car. If you don’t want to, no problem.'”
Schlesser described Williams as “a good person but rude”.
His only other Formula 1 appearance came for RAM at Paul Ricard in 1983.
“That car had the same straight-line speed as my touring car,” he joked.
Schlesser criticised as “insane” the enormous cost now required for young drivers to progress through the junior categories.
“It’s not fair,” he said. “I completely agree with Max Verstappen, who says the price of getting to Formula 1 is too high.”
His son Louis is currently attempting to build his own motor racing career, although Schlesser admitted progress has not been fast enough.
“He needs to win more,” he said. “He’s not winning enough races.
“Besides, the price of Formula Regional European racing is too high right now.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES