Formula E GEN4 impresses Max Verstappen as new era of electric racing begins
Formula E has officially unveiled its new GEN4 car at Paul Ricard, marking the introduction of the fastest electric single-seater in the world. During the launch event, former Formula 1 test driver and Formula E team principal James Rossiter took the car on track for a demonstration lap in front of the media.
Bigger, more robust, and significantly faster, with a top speed that can reach up to 320 km/h, the GEN4 represents a major generational leap for the championship. Early estimates suggest that on certain circuits it could even be quicker than Formula 2 machinery, underlining a historic step forward for electric motorsport performance.
However, one of the most surprising talking points came from a behind-the-scenes story shared by António Félix da Costa, involving four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
Verstappen’s reaction to GEN4 surprises the Formula E paddock
“Yes, I felt like we were reintroducing ourselves to the world for two reasons,” said the Jaguar TCS Racing driver. “First of all because it is a new car: for me Formula E is already well established, but this is probably the biggest step forward we have ever taken.”
Da Costa then highlighted the clear improvement compared to previous generations: “Design, technology, speed, performance. It is no secret that GEN3 was not particularly well received at the beginning, but with this new car we have really raised the bar. The first impression is extremely positive.”
However, the most significant verdict appears to have come directly from Max Verstappen himself. “When GEN3 was presented, one of the first messages I received was from Max, and he said: ‘I’m not sure about this.’ Yesterday, one of the first messages I received was again from him. But this time it was different. He said: ‘This is strong!’”
This reaction is far from insignificant, as it suggests approval even from within the Formula 1 paddock for the GEN4 project. “If even the F1 guys like it, that is something fantastic for the whole series,” the Portuguese driver concluded.
The launch of GEN4 therefore appears to represent a true turning point for Formula E: a car capable not only of significantly improving performance, but also of convincing sceptics and further strengthening the championship’s credibility within the global motorsport landscape.
The GEN4 will make its official competitive debut on the grid next year.
Considering Max Verstappen’s notoriously high standards for “real” racing cars, do you think his public approval of the GEN4 will finally silence the critics who still view Formula E as a secondary series, or is the sound of an internal combustion engine still too much of a barrier for traditionalists?
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