Loading
Max Verstappen, long considered a traditionalist in the motorsport world, appears to be softening his historically critical stance on Formula E. The reigning Formula 1 World Champion recently expressed his approval of the all-electric series’ upcoming Gen4 contender in a private exchange with Jaguar driver Antonio Felix da Costa.
The Dutchman has never shied away from voicing his disinterest in electric racing. His previous remark that the 2026 Formula 1 regulations had turned the sport into "Formula E on steroids" was widely interpreted as a thinly veiled critique of the all-electric championship. However, the unveiling of Formula E's next-generation machinery seems to have caught his attention.
Formula E is preparing for a monumental overhaul next season, a shift that could fundamentally revolutionize the championship and broaden its appeal among top-tier drivers. The Gen4 car promises a quantum leap in electric racing performance, featuring an 800bhp powertrain, permanent all-wheel drive, and an active differential.
These technical advancements are expected to deliver a staggering 10-second improvement in lap times, potentially elevating Formula E to the status of the second-fastest racing category globally, trailing only behind Formula 1.
Following the official launch of the Gen4 car at Circuit Paul Ricard late last month, Verstappen shared his reaction via text message with his friend and Jaguar driver, Antonio Felix da Costa.
"[Verstappen] liked it," the Portuguese driver revealed to Motorsport.com. "He was very critical of the Gen3, but he was happy with the Gen 4."
When pressed on whether Verstappen might be interested in testing the new machinery—especially following a "naughty" invitation from Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds earlier this year—da Costa remained coy: "You have to ask him." While Verstappen says he will take his time to decide his F1 future, his newfound appreciation for Formula E's technical direction is notable.
Verstappen’s positive remarks have been warmly received by Formula E executives, who continue their push to win over traditional motorsport purists.
"[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," stated Formula E’s Chief Commercial Officer, Alberto Longo.
The Gen4 car is slated for introduction in the 2026/27 season, a campaign expected to kick off in December and feature up to 19 races. Manufacturers are already deep into the development phase, building and testing their new powertrains. Several drivers on the grid have even had early opportunities to sample the package in Europe.
Da Costa, who clinched the 2019/20 Formula E title, described the Gen4 machinery as a "massive step" for the series. As veterans like Lucas di Grassi announce their retirement, the new era promises a fresh challenge for the grid.
"I haven't done much with it but I've had the chance to do a little bit with it, and it's obviously very exciting stuff," da Costa explained. "More power, bigger car, more grip, and the technology on the whole car is a massive step. The way we have to set it up with software and mechanically, so it's going to be a massive challenge for the drivers and the teams."
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
Comments (0)
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Loading posts...