Particle.news

Formula E CEO Invites Verstappen to Private Gen4 Test After His 2026 F1 Critique

The offer underscores Formula E’s bid to showcase its next‑gen pace in contrast to F1’s energy‑heavy 2026 rules.

Overview

  • Jeff Dodds said he messaged Max Verstappen and will provide a Gen4 car anywhere for a private, no‑media test in exchange for an honest assessment.
  • Dodds touted Gen4 performance with a claim of 30% quicker acceleration than today’s F1 and permanent all‑wheel drive, with the series citing roughly 800 hp.
  • RacingNews365 reported the Gen4 car has been undergoing FIA and manufacturer testing and is expected to be as quick as or quicker than current Formula 2.
  • Verstappen’s Bahrain comments described the 2026 F1 cars as “Formula E on steroids,” emphasizing extensive lift‑and‑coast and energy management over flat‑out driving.
  • Several F1 drivers echoed concerns about energy limits and overtaking, while Lando Norris and George Russell urged giving the new regulations time.