Max Verstappen Shakes Up Electric Racing: Formula E's Gen4 Car Wins His Approval!
In a stunning twist that could reshape the landscape of motorsport, Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen has surprisingly given a nod of approval to the much-anticipated Gen4 car in Formula E. Once a staunch critic of electric racing, Verstappen's recent comments signal a potential shift in attitude that could have major implications for the future of the sport.
Long regarded as a traditionalist, Verstappen has openly mocked the electric series in the past, famously branding the upcoming 2026 regulations in Formula 1 as “Formula E on steroids.” This criticism painted a picture of an F1 driver reluctant to embrace the green revolution. However, this time, he surprised fans and rivals alike when he told Jaguar's Antonio Felix da Costa that he “likes” the Gen4 contender, marking a significant pivot for the Dutchman.
The Gen4 car is expected to revolutionize Formula E, boasting an eye-popping 800bhp powertrain, cutting-edge all-wheel drive, and an active differential. These technological innovations are projected to enhance lap times by an impressive ten seconds, potentially catapulting Formula E to become the second-fastest racing category, trailing only behind Formula 1.
After the official unveiling of the Gen4 car at Paul Ricard, Verstappen's positive feedback reached da Costa, who shared, “He was very critical of the Gen3, but he was happy with the Gen4.” This endorsement is a game-changer for Formula E, which has struggled to gain traction among motorsport purists who often dismiss electric racing as inferior.
Formula E's chief commercial officer, Alberto Longo, expressed excitement over Verstappen's remarks, stating, “[Verstappen] spoke with one of the drivers in Formula E, with Antonio Felix da Costa. And he literally said something like, ‘it's cool’, which we take it.” This kind of acknowledgment from a titan of the sport could be the catalyst that attracts more traditional racing fans to the electric circuit.
The Gen4 car is slated to debut in the 2026/27 season, commencing in December and featuring up to 19 thrilling races. Manufacturers are already in the thick of building and testing their Gen4 powertrains, with select drivers getting an exclusive first taste of the future of racing in Europe. Da Costa, who clinched the Formula E title in the 2019/20 season, described the Gen4 car as a “massive step,” adding, “More power, bigger car, more grip, and the technology on the whole car is a massive step.”
As the automotive world shifts towards sustainability, Verstappen's newfound appreciation for Formula E could signal a seismic change in the perception of electric racing. The question now remains: will this shift in attitude pave the way for more F1 drivers to take the plunge into the electrifying world of Formula E? The future of motorsport is watching closely!
