Heidfeld unveils new series that is 'beneath Formula E'

      "Is there anything beneath Formula E? Not yet."

      Former Formula 1 driver Nick Heidfeld is making a return to motorsport in a new capacity as the co-founder of an all-electric junior racing series set to debut in 2027. In an interview with Blick newspaper, the German stated that a "new phase" of his life has commenced following his decision to step back from racing to prioritize his family. "After my career, I primarily wanted to spend more time at home. But now my children are 15, 18, and 20 years old," he mentioned. "A new chapter of my life is starting."

      This new chapter involves collaborating on the FG Series, which aims to establish a development pathway beneath Formula E. "Just as there is a well-known hierarchy of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula 4 under Formula 1," Heidfeld elaborated, "there is nothing below Formula E at the moment."

      The initiative, which he launched with former Formula E team principal Dilbagh Gill, seeks to address one of motorsport's major issues—cost. "Our goal is to make motorsport more affordable. We aim to provide drivers with the most thorough training possible for their future endeavors," he stated.

      A significant innovation is the introduction of a franchise-style model where the series retains ownership of the cars and leases them to teams. "This setup enables one car to be driven by two different drivers in separate series during the same weekend, thereby reducing costs," Heidfeld explained.

      The concept also emphasizes sustainability. "Transporting by ship and land, avoiding costly air freight," he outlined, intending to structure seasons regionally rather than relying on constant global travel.

      Nevertheless, the primary challenge lies in securing funding. "Up to now, my co-founder and I have invested most of the money. To truly launch the project, we require additional investors. We're discussing several million," admitted the 48-year-old Heidfeld. "Although we do have some savings, it's too substantial to fund entirely by ourselves."