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Formula E CEO wants Verstappen involved in Gen4 project
Jeff Dodds says he would welcome Max Verstappen’s feedback on Formula E’s Gen4 car and sees possible ways to work with him at Zandvoort.
Formula E chief executive Jeff Dodds wants to see Max Verstappen try the championship’s Gen4 car, and believes the Dutchman’s wider motorsport projects could also create opportunities around the series’ first race in the Netherlands. No further discussions with Verstappen have taken place so far.
Dodds said he values Verstappen’s perspective and would welcome his feedback from driving the new car. The four-time world champion recently signed a long-term agreement with Red Bull, and Dodds said he was pleased to see that commitment. For more on the contract, read about Jos Verstappen’s comments on agreements within the deal.
Gen4 has drawn interest from F1 drivers
The Gen4 machine is due to make its competitive debut in Season 13. Several Formula 1 drivers have already inspected it: Lando Norris responded positively after seeing the car during the Monaco E-Prix weekend, while Carlos Sainz and Nico Hülkenberg also looked over it in person.
The package features permanent all-wheel drive, 450 kW of race power and a peak 600 kW in Attack Mode. Formula E development driver James Rossiter has compared its initial acceleration with that of early-2000s Formula 1 V10 cars.
Dodds has not discussed a test with Verstappen, but said he would like him to drive the car and offer an assessment. He also expects the Gen4 era to attract many potential new drivers.
Zandvoort could offer a wider partnership opportunity
Formula E is set to visit the Netherlands for the first time next season, with Zandvoort hosting a double-header on 18 and 19 June 2027. The races are scheduled as rounds 14 and 15 of the 2026/27 campaign.
Dodds sees possible ways to involve Verstappen beyond driving. His activities extend into esports, GT racing and driver development through Verstappen Racing, including academies and sim-to-track work. Dodds said those areas could offer scope for an exciting collaboration, while stressing that the conversation has not yet happened.
The idea fits into Formula E’s wider efforts to engage with motorsport figures and audiences; the series has also drawn strong views about its place alongside Formula 1, as explored in Alberto Longo’s comments on the two championships. For now, Dodds’ interest in Verstappen remains an opening rather than an agreed project: he wants the driver’s insight on Gen4 and sees potential around the Dutch event, but no partnership has been arranged.