Crucial Formula E change debated as powerful new era awaits

Nissan's Oliver Rowland believes Formula E will need to introduce a specific tyre for wet weather when Gen4 is introduced for the 2026/27 season. 

Racing in wet weather has been a debate across the opening rounds of FE's eleventh season, with Hankook's new tyre for the Gen3 Evo era having made for difficult viewing at times. 

The new tyre has provided a substantial performance boost in the dry due to it being a slightly softer compound than its predecessor, but has been difficult to get heat into in the wet. 

Ahead of the season-opener last December in São Paulo, some drivers went as far as raising concerns that races could be cancelled if events across the next two campaigns are declared wet.

FE's improving technology has raised a debate whether a tyre purpose-built for wet weather is needed going forwards, in particular when Gen4 comes into play. 

The next era of FE machinery will feature solely all-wheel drive and 800bhp, with Rowland believing that it will be time for a wet weather tyre to ensure performance remains high.

"Yeah, I think so," Rowland told RacingNews365. "I think if you look at the spec of Gen4 and the initial simulations of how impressive the car is going to be, I would be extremely impressed if they can have an all-weather tyre for that sort of car.

"Because the speed is going to be pretty high, it is going to be quick. And if you're able to have a tyre that can work in those conditions and work in the rain, it's going to be extremely impressive. 

"So yeah, let's wait and see. Obviously, we have other hurdles of what we're trying to achieve here in Formula E, in terms of being sustainable and all that sort of stuff. 

"But I think at some point, for the right performance, we need to be looking at probably two types of tyres for each condition."

Bridgestone 'typhoon' statement

Of course, Hankook will be replaced by Bridgestone as FE's sole tyre partner when Gen4 is introduced, marking the former F1 tyre supplier's return to a single-seater world championship since the end of 2010.

A challenge awaits Bridgestone to develop an all-weather compound which satisfies the paddock, with Hankook having received more criticism than praise since taking over from Michelin for the start of Gen3. 

FE has often prided itself on its sole tyre compound being made of 30% sustainable materials, but a new wet compound would increase its waste. 

Surrounding the debate for a wet weather tyre, the FIA tyre tender for Gen4 does feature a "baseline" all-weather tyre for in the dry and light rain but also a "typhoon" tyre for extremely wet conditions.

It means that, according to the FIA tyre tender for Gen4, FE should have two tyre compounds for the first time in its history.

RacingNews365 approached Bridgestone for comment on whether a 'typhoon' tyre for wet weather is being developed and the progress of it; however, the Japanese tyre manufacturer opted against giving development details away.

A Bridgestone spokesperson told RacingNews365: "Indeed, Bridgestone has been confirmed as sole tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starting with the 2026-2027 season.  

"We are unable to provide specific details at this time, but we will be sure to share more information as we get closer to the commencement of our partnership."