Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has revealed that conversations have been held with some current Formula 1 drivers, who are eager to test the new Gen4 car.
The Gen4 will be introduced for the next campaign of Formula E (Season 13), which is expected to get underway later this year in December.
It will represent the start of a new regulatory cycle for the all-electric series, while F1 has entered its own new era with the fresh power unit regulations.
While the Gen4's official competitive introduction is several months away, Formula E manufacturers and the FIA have been testing the car for some time. The first manufacturers’ test took place last November, but the FIA has been working on the car since early last year.
The Gen4 features permanent four-wheel drive, two aerodynamic setups, and produces 600 kW of power (815+ bhp), with 210 mph (338 km/h) having already been achieved. Lap times are set to be between those of an F1 and a Formula 2 car, marking a major step in performance.
Formula E has been a topic of discussion in the F1 paddock across testing in Bahrain, due to Verstappen comparing the two categories. Last week, the Dutchman described the new F1 regulations as "like Formula E on steroids."
Since then, the Red Bull driver has been offered a test in the Gen4 by Dodds, who revealed that other F1 drivers have also asked to drive the new Formula E car.
Asked by RacingNews365 during an interview if there is an open invitation for Verstappen to test the Gen4, Jeff Dodds said: "100%. Since the Gen4 has been on track in testing, I’ve actually had — and I would never say who they were — conversations with F1 drivers asking, 'Can I have a go privately? I’d love to have a go.' Max hasn’t been one of those, but others have.
"It’s a completely open invitation — and not just to Max, by the way, but to any F1 driver — because if they want a glimpse of where this sport is going, you go and sit in that Gen4 car. It is a massive step forward.
"The lap times in the Gen4 car will not be materially dissimilar to a Formula 1 car. They’ll be between Formula 2 and F1, but what comes beyond Gen4?
"In my view, what comes beyond it will be as fast as — or faster than — Formula 1 cars. That’s the trajectory we’re on in Formula E."
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on last week’s first test in Bahrain and this week’s second test at the same venue. The trio debate Max Verstappen’s criticism of the regulations and whether Formula 1 is facing an identity crisis.
Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!
Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.
Download the calenderMost read
Join the conversation!