Formula E’s GEN4 advances bring F1 comparison into focus

Formula E’s next-generation GEN4 car is sharpening the performance comparison with Formula 1. Its figures outstrip Formula 2 in several areas, and a private test at Monza has offered an early indication of what the electric machine can do on a permanent circuit. But the gap to F1 remains unmeasured in competitive conditions, and the cars are built to different demands.

GEN4’s power and acceleration exceed F2 figures

GEN4 delivers 450 kW in standard race trim, rising to 600 kW for qualifying and Attack Mode. Its peak output is 71 per cent higher than the outgoing Gen3 Evo, while usable battery capacity has grown by 43 per cent to 55 kWh.

That peak figure is above the 620 bhp produced by F2’s Mecachrome-powered 3.4-litre V6. GEN4 also reaches 100 km/h in about 1.8 seconds and 200 km/h in 4.4 seconds, compared with F2’s respective 2.9 and 6.6 seconds. Both cars are listed at a 335 km/h top speed, though F2 needs low-downforce Monza settings and DRS to reach it.

These performance claims have been revealed in a striking early test. Porsche reportedly set a time with its development GEN4 car at Monza faster than the F2 lap record, without running a qualifying-style attempt. For more on the emerging generation in Formula E, read about the GEN4 programme.

The comparison has important limits

The GEN4’s technical package differs sharply from F1’s. It uses permanent all-wheel drive, with motors on both axles, while F1 regulations require rear-wheel drive. However, its regenerative braking can reach 700 kW, and adjustable aerodynamic configurations give teams options to prioritise downforce or lower drag.

Those advantages do not make it an F1 equivalent. The car weighs about 954 kg without a driver, uses treaded tyres rather than bespoke slicks and carries a 55 kWh battery. Formula E races last around 45 minutes to an hour, while F1 grands prix cover 305 kilometres and can run for up to two hours. Formula E teams also use lift-and-coast to manage energy to the finish; F1’s hybrid system is deployed as a performance tool.

The decisive lap-time test is still to come

GEN4 is due to debut in 2027, with the season opening in Mexico City on January 16. Following a decision taken only recently to move the Jeddah December opener to later in the year. Formula E has also added permanent venues to locations include the Circuit of The Americas, Brands Hatch and Zandvoort to suit the car’s increased pace. The series has also outlined new changes in the GEN4 race-format.

While a direct lap-time comparison against 2026-spec F1 machinery on a shared permanent circuit has not yet been made in competitive conditions, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has described GEN4 as the first genuine opportunity to put electrified racing’s potential on that kind of footing. That said, the Monza running is a sign of progress in car pace, not proof that the two championships are already level. Not yet anyway.