Italian carmaker Alfa Romeo exited Formula 1 at the end of 2023 after its title partnership with Sauber came to an end. Alfa Romeo is part of Stellantis, a automotive conglomerate comprising the likes of Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot, and more. However, this group currently has no presence in F1. Now, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares highlighted an ethical reason that hindered a potential return to the sport.
Tavares admitted that Formula 1 was the most efficient marketing tool when it came to return on investment. However, the 65-year-old claimed that the spending in the sport would not be ethical when compared to the factory workers of the conglomerate. As the group had to cut costs to ensure that its products could compete against Asian rivals.
Formula 1 is probably the most efficient marketing tool... However, spending remains considerable... We need to do ethical reasoning and think about the people I have in the factory, who count the cents to be able to compete on the zero-emission mobility market against Asian competitors. Carlos Tavares said, as reported by FormulaPassion.it
The Stellantis CEO highlighted that it would be difficult to look in the eyes of its workforce if the group spent millions on its F1 program but could not raise their wages. Carlos Tavares claimed that it was a major ethical program as he was very close to all his workers in the group. So far, neither Alfa Romeo nor its sister brands have expressed interest in joining F1 in the coming years.
How can you look the workers in the eye and tell them that we spend 20 million on Formula 1 while asking for a few cents? It is an ethical issue to which I am very sensitive, because I am very close to my workers. Carlos Tavares stated
Stellantis CEO pinpoints F1’s clash with EU’s ban on combustion engines
The world has acknowledged the ramifications of climate change over the past decade. Steps have been taken by various countries to reduce their carbon footprint. Fossil fuels contribute significantly towards pollution globally. As such, many countries and unions have banned the sale of combustion vehicles in the next decade. The European Union will prohibit sales of any fossil fuel-powered cars from 2035.
Stellantis CEO pointed out that Formula 1 would be in direct conflict with the EU’s ban in 2035. Carlos Tavares questioned how the sport would react when carmakers are banned from selling internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. It must be noted that Formula E has an exclusivity agreement with the FIA for being an all-electric series till 2029. As such, F1 would need permission from the electric championship to go completely electric before this period.
The only problem they have is that will clash against the 2035 ban on heat engines. This is a question for the leaders of Formula 1: what will you do when the automobile industry faces the combustion engine block? Carlos Tavares asserted
Certainly, it seems that Stellantis has doubts over returning to Formula 1 for the time being. The auto conglomerate would be looking to see how the sport evolves in the coming years before contemplating a comeback. However, F1 has grown massively in popularity over the years, which might entice one of Stellantis’ brands in the future.
More must-reads: