Formula E has opened the door for Max Verstappen to privately test its new Gen4 car. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds admitted he would love to hear direct feedback from Verstappen on the latest electric racing machine, which is expected to accelerate faster than a current Formula 1 car.
Verstappen previously brought Formula E into the spotlight during Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain earlier this year. The four-time world champion criticised Formula 1’s new power unit regulations by describing the latest generation of F1 cars as “Formula E on steroids” because of the increased dependence on electrical power.
Verstappen’s criticism of Formula 1’s technical direction has continued throughout the opening phase of the 2026 season, particularly regarding energy deployment and battery management under the new regulations. The situation has even generated speculation surrounding Verstappen’s long-term Formula 1 future, although figures such as Jos Verstappen and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem have downplayed the possibility of him leaving the sport anytime soon.
Dodds explained that Formula E sees major value in allowing Verstappen to experience the Gen4 car firsthand. According to him, the next-generation Formula E machine offers a driving sensation unlike anything currently available in Formula 1.
“Max has never driven anything that accelerates 30 percent faster than his Formula 1 car with permanent all-wheel drive. It’s a completely different experience because there are no gear changes and the electric power delivery is immediate,” Dodds said.
The Formula E Gen4 project is widely viewed as the biggest technological leap in the championship’s history. Alongside permanent all-wheel drive, the new cars are expected to deliver acceleration levels increasingly close to Formula 1 performance. Formula E is also continuing efforts to reduce the lap time gap to F1 as part of its long-term competitive growth strategy.
Dodds described Verstappen as one of the defining talents of the current motorsport generation and believes his feedback would be extremely valuable for Formula E’s future development. Although there are currently no official plans for a test session, Formula E has openly expressed interest in involving the Red Bull Racing driver in the Gen4 programme.
The Formula E CEO also highlighted the growing technical relationship between Formula E and Formula 1. Several Formula E drivers are already involved with Formula 1 teams through simulator work, development programmes, and advisory roles focused on electric vehicle systems.
According to Dodds, increasing discussion around electric racing, energy management, and the challenges of driving Formula E cars is helping attract more attention toward the championship. With the arrival of Gen4 technology and the growing technical overlap with Formula 1, Formula E is continuing to strengthen its position within modern global motorsport.
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