Formula E opens Goodwood Festival of Speed showcase as GEN4 era nears

Formula E arrives at Goodwood with four generations on display

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has opened its 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed programme with a landmark showcase of its all-electric racing history. Across the first day at Goodwood, all four generations of Formula E machinery are present, giving the championship a rare opportunity to frame its past, present and immediate future in one place.

The appearance follows wider attention around Formula E’s Goodwood presence, including the championship’s plan to showcase every generation at the event, as covered in our recent report on Formula E’s Goodwood Festival of Speed GEN4 showcase.

The cars and drivers taking part

Mahindra’s GEN3 car is represented by Chloe Chambers, the team’s Test and Development Driver. The GEN4 Jaguar TCS Racing entry is being driven by Fernando Barichello, while Dan Ticktum, CUPRA KIRO driver, is set to run the GEN4 Formula E Championship car.

That blend of drivers and cars gives the Festival of Speed crowd a direct view of Formula E’s evolution, from its original race machinery through to the platform that will define the next phase of the championship.

GEN4 sets the performance benchmark

Formula E’s Goodwood arrival comes at a crucial moment as the series prepares for the beginning of the GEN4 era, described by the championship as its most exciting chapter yet.

The performance numbers underline why. GEN4 is capable of speeds in excess of 335kph, with 0-100kph acceleration in approximately 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in just 4.4 seconds — 1.5 seconds faster than its predecessor.

In race mode, GEN4 delivers 50% more power than the current GEN3 Evo. In qualifying trim, it is expected to be an average of 10 seconds faster per lap than the GEN3 car. In ATTACK MODE, output rises to 600kW, a 71% increase over GEN3 Evo base output. It also stands out as the only single-seater race car with permanent all-wheel drive.

For Formula E, Goodwood is not simply a heritage run. It is the clearest public signal yet that the championship’s next generation is moving from concept to spectacle.