Formula E CEO Invites Max Verstappen to Test GEN4 Car in Private Session
In a bold move highlighting the growing rivalry between electric and hybrid racing series, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has extended an open invitation to Formula One superstar Max Verstappen. Dodds has offered Verstappen a private test drive of the highly anticipated GEN4 car, set to debut in 2027, with no media or cameras allowed at any racetrack of his choice worldwide.
Verstappen's 'Formula E on Steroids' Remark Sparks Invitation
The invitation comes just days after Verstappen, the Red Bull racing star, compared the new Formula One cars to Formula E vehicles. Following tests of the updated F1 car in Barcelona and Bahrain last month, Verstappen described it as "Formula E on steroids," citing major regulatory changes that have introduced a 50% electric powertrain alongside a 50% combustion engine this year.
Commenting on Verstappen's statement during the Jeddah E-Prix sidelines, Dodds expressed understanding of the driver's perspective. "I think Max is effectively saying that he loves to go full send, full throttle, and the new F1 car is not delivering a style of driving that he loves at the moment," Dodds explained. "He speaks his mind. He's an amazing character. He does feel that they've compromised F1 at the moment by trying to do the best of both worlds. Obviously, we're pure electric. F1 used to be pure combustion. I wasn't massively surprised to hear him say that."
GEN4 Car Promises Superior Performance Over F1
Dodds elaborated on the capabilities of the upcoming GEN4 car, emphasizing its pure electric design and enhanced performance metrics. "The GEN4 car is pure electric, with 70% more power. The car will comfortably go over 200 miles per hour in race conditions and still accelerate 30% faster than a Formula One car," he stated. "So, we're on this trajectory of exploiting more power from this electric powertrain at a time when maybe F1 is beginning to question what its identity is."
Open Invitation with No Strings Attached
When asked about the possibility of Verstappen experiencing the GEN4 car, Dodds revealed he had already reached out. "I sent him a slightly tongue-in-cheek message last night. I haven't checked, but I don't think he's replied," Dodds said. "Look, if Max wants to come and test out the GEN4 car, I think he'd be really impressed by what's coming. Open invitation, no cameras, no media, any racetrack he wants in the world. We'll put a car on the show for him. Love it."
Fan Reactions and Series Schedule
The interview was shared on Formula E's official Instagram page, sparking enthusiastic responses from fans. One commenter noted, "Absolutely spot on about F1 not knowing its identity while Formula E knows exactly what it is and wants to be." Another fan humorously remarked, "He's already testing FE cars in Bahrain," while a third added, "I’d love to see how that’d pan out, to be fair."
Following the Jeddah doubleheader, Formula E will take a month-long break before resuming with Round 6 in Madrid on March 21, marking a new addition to the series calendar.
