Formula E: Fewer overtakes despite Gen4? Vandoorne explains why sprint races will be different

The introduction of Gen4 cars could fundamentally change the nature of racing in Formula E. However, Stoffel Vandoorne does not expect the peloton-style racing familiar from the Gen3 era to disappear completely. Instead, the 2022 World Champion anticipates two distinct types of racing: more traditional sprint races where qualifying plays a greater role and overtaking is less frequent, alongside longer races in which energy management remains crucial. Vandoorne also believes the growing use of permanent circuits is a logical development given the increased size and speed of the Gen4 cars.

Will Formula E return to a more traditional style of racing with the new Gen4 cars, similar to what was seen during the Gen2 era? Asked this question by e-Formula.news during a Jaguar media roundtable, the team's new full-time driver Stoffel Vandoorne explained: "I think it'll be a little bit of a mix of both because of the nature of the races that we will have. I think we will still see the aspects of Gen3, the peloton racing, with a lot of strategy involved. And we will then see a more classical race in the sprint race, which is more qualifying-based and with less overtaking in those races."

Sprint racing instead of peloton racing?

For the first time in the 2026/27 season, two different race formats will be used at double-header events. While the traditional E-Prix will run for 45 minutes and continue to focus on efficiency and strategy with a low-downforce configuration, mandatory Pit Boost and extensive energy management, the new E-Prix Unleashed format will place greater emphasis on outright performance. The sprint race will last just 30 minutes, with the cars running a high-downforce aerodynamic configuration and no Pit Boost.

Interestingly, Vandoorne's assessment appears, at least at first glance, to contrast with Formula E's official objectives. The championship expects the higher-downforce configuration of E-Prix Unleashed to produce particularly spectacular overtaking moves. Vandoorne, however, believes grid position will become more important in the shorter races, with fewer overtakes than in the longer E-Prix events.

Vandoorne has no doubt that Gen4 will change the way Formula E races unfold. After all, the new cars differ significantly from their predecessors in terms of power, dimensions and aerodynamic drag. Nevertheless, the Belgian does not expect a complete departure from the racing style seen in recent seasons: "I'm pretty sure that some of that will carry forward into Gen4 as well."

Larger Gen4 cars change the requirements for race circuits

Alongside the new race formats, changes to the calendar could also influence the racing. Austin, Brands Hatch and Zandvoort will bring additional permanent circuits to the championship in the 2026/27 season.

"I think that's kind of a natural evolution," Vandoorne explained when asked by e-Formula.news about the shift towards permanent circuits. "As the cars are getting bigger, getting faster, not all of the tracks that we were doing in Gen2 are suitable for a Gen4 car." The Belgian welcomes this development and expects some of the new circuits to produce particularly good racing.

However, the full impact of the different race formats is unlikely to become clear until the opening rounds of the season. Vandoorne therefore expects an initial learning phase for both drivers and teams. "It will be a big learning curve for everyone in the beginning," he explained. The key will be understanding the new demands as quickly as possible. "It's just about understanding and getting a feel for that early on to be ahead of the game."