Sainz labels Formula E's game-changing Gen4 car 'pretty impressive'
Carlos Sainz has delivered a glowing verdict on Formula E's upcoming Gen4 car, describing the all-electric championship's next-generation machine as "pretty impressive" after getting a close look at the Monaco E-Prix.
A High-Profile Visit to the Principality
The Williams driver was among a string of prominent F1 figures to attend the Monaco double-header, rubbing shoulders with Lando Norris, Gabriel Bortoleto, Nico HĂŒlkenberg, Oliver Bearman, Flavio Briatore, and Christian Horner in what underlined the growing cross-series interest between the two paddocks.
Comparisons between Formula 1 and Formula E are intensifying â driven not only by the new power unit regulations reshaping F1, but by the sheer performance credentials of the Gen4 machine. The car is set to debut competitively in December and is expected to lap Monaco less than five seconds slower than an F1 car â a benchmark that would have seemed implausible just a few seasons ago.
The Gen4: Closing the Performance Gap
The numbers behind the Gen4 are striking. It is the fastest-accelerating FIA single-seater ever built, reaching 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds â 30 per cent quicker than a current F1 car. With a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph) and a power output of 600 kW (815 bhp), it edges Formula E into territory once reserved exclusively for the pinnacle of the sport. Crucially, it is also capable of completing a qualifying lap without lift and coast, eliminating one of the more visible limitations of previous-generation cars.
"I had a look at the Gen4. It looks pretty impressive," Sainz told Formula E's broadcast. "It's good to see some friends here â I have a lot of friends from motorsport who are in Formula E, and a lot of talented drivers, and I'm very happy to see them competing here and giving their best."
"It Reminds Me of Go-Karting"
Sainz's admiration for Formula E extends beyond the hardware. Like many on the F1 grid, the Spaniard has long been a fan of the series â not least for the quality of racing it consistently delivers. The Monaco double-header alone produced 382 overtakes, a figure that speaks volumes about the wheel-to-wheel action Formula E routinely generates.
With Mitch Evans having just taken the championship lead after a strong Monaco showing, the series is heading into its Gen4 era with genuine momentum.
"I think Formula E is a great category â it's always a good show, always some exciting racing, always a bit of bumping," Sainz added. "It reminds me a little of go-karting, which is one of my favourite categories. I love watching the races."
With the Gen4's arrival on the horizon, the line between Formula E and Formula 1 is narrowing faster than ever.
Simone Scanu
Heâs 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.