Branson: Formula E “will overtake F1 in popularity”

Branson, speaking at the launch of the DS Virgin Racing team that will compete in season two of the all-electric series, stated that the time is close when F1 will be usurped by Formula E as the premier form of motor racing.

“I think there will be room for F1 for a few more years,” said Branson. “There will come a time when Formula E overtakes Formula 1. It will grow naturally.

“I think four or five years from now you will see Formula E overtaking Formula 1.”

Branson, addressing an audience that included FIA President Jean Todt, also believes that the marketability of Formula E will grow further in to the public consciousness.

“At end of first year the people who run it will sit down and look at it to see what they can learn for the first year, but I don’t think they will see a lot of negatives.

“The races I have been to are enjoyable and the fans have left with a smile on their faces.

“It makes green energy sexy, if you go back ten or twenty years people thought electric cars were what granny drove. The cars look fantastic and sleek and it will spur on the revolution and it will be a very exciting revolution.

“Turn clock forward thirty years and clean energy will cost half of what we currently pay, that means we’ll be able to build more hospitals and schools.

"It is a very, very exciting future. We just have to make sure that organisations like Formula E are set up to push this forward.”