Felipe Drugovich delivers honest criticism as he eyes Formula E Gen4 future

Felipe Drugovich has delivered honest criticism, saying the current Formula E Gen3 car does not "give you smiles" when driving—something he has already heard Gen4 has fixed.

The Brazilian has endured a difficult start to his maiden campaign with Andretti, having yet to score a point after the opening five rounds of the season.

Despite being a full-time rookie in the all-electric series, much was expected of Drugovich given his glittering record as an F2 champion and former Aston Martin F1 reserve.

His best result this season has been 12th on two occasions, in São Paulo and the most recent race in Jeddah; however, Miami offered his strongest performance before he hit Antonio Felix da Costa while in contention for a real podium shot, dropping him to the back.

The amount of expectation on Drugovich's shoulders brings pressure, but he appears more than capable of handling it once fully comfortable in the series.

He has joined at an interesting time, with Formula E in the final year of Gen3 before moving to its new Gen4 car next season.

For many, including Drugovich, the all-new Gen4 is a major reason for moving to the series—or sticking around—he admitting that if the current car remained for several more years, it would not be enjoyable.

Asked if he remains pleased with his decision to join Andretti in Formula E, Drugovich told RacingNews365 in Jeddah: "Yeah, I'm starting to enjoy it. I think the first few races were a bit tough, but all in all, the championship is very well organised and I like the type of racing.

"I wish the cars were faster, which is a solution that is already right in front of us. So, yeah, I’m very excited for it.

"I think, obviously, if it was going to stay like this [in Gen3] for another five years, I don't know, maybe it would have been nice—well, not too nice—but with the way things stand now, I think it's quite good. I think it's really, really cool what Formula E is going to become with the new car."

Drugovich's eyes on Gen4

Drugovich is not alone in keeping a close eye on Gen4. While he does not yet have a contract for next season, it would come as no surprise if he were to remain with Andretti.

The Gen4 boasts significantly more power and aero, looking more like a traditional single-seater—not too dissimilar to F1. It is a car expected to suit those who thrived in F2, making it right up Drugovich's alley.

A key downside of racing for a customer outfit is the lack of access to the new car, which most manufacturers have already been testing.

Several drivers on the current grid have already driven the Gen4, an opportunity Drugovich will have to wait patiently for—something that will only become increasingly difficult based on everything he is hearing.

Discussing Gen4, his excitement to drive it and the role it played in joining Formula E, Drugovich explained: "Yeah, exactly. I think it's going to be a cool car to drive. 

"Most of the people that I’ve spoken to are really enjoying the car. When they talk about it, they have a smile on their face, which is nice.

"In all fairness, the Gen3 is not the type of car that gives you smiles when you drive it. It's cool and it's nice, but it's not the most satisfying car compared to other motorsport series. And from what I've seen, Gen4 seems to be doing that for the drivers.

"Now, we're not a manufacturer and we're not testing the car yet. But from the people I've spoken to, drivers are happy with it, they're enjoying it, and that's honestly what I'm looking forward to—getting out of the car and saying, 'This is pretty cool to drive.'"