Formula E: The Gen4 car is suddenly a talking point in Formula 1

Before the Gen4 car even makes its official debut, it has already achieved something that previous Formula E cars have struggled with: It makes Formula 1 drivers curious. As Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds reports, several Formula 1 drivers have already contacted him to express their interest in testing the new vehicle. This indicates a remarkable effect even before the launch of the new generation of vehicles: The Gen4 racing car seems to be developing an appeal that previous Formula E cars did not have in this form.

Dodds makes it clear that this is not about isolated curiosity, but about a noticeable echo from the paddock of other series. He does not name names. In his view, the technical leap of the new car is the decisive factor. He classifies this as a decisive step compared to the previous generations and emphasises that Formula E is thus reaching a new level of performance.

"The founders of Formula E were ahead of their time," says Dodds at SoyMotor.com. "The first car, the Gen1, just wasn't there technologically. It was effectively two cars, the battery wasn't good enough, top speed wasn't great, acceleration was okay, but it wasn't incredible. The Gen4 is the first car that will be quicker than Formula 2 and will be right on the heels of Formula 1."

Dodds thus characterises the Gen4 not as an ordinary technology update, but as a reputation project. Away from the pure promise of the future, towards a performance that is also taken seriously outside of Formula E. Instead of being perceived primarily in terms of concept and future technology, the new car puts performance centre stage.

"A real turning point" for Formula E

For Dodds, the Gen4 car is therefore more than just a new chassis or another chapter in the regulations. He explicitly associates the car with a strategic and sporting turning point for the series.

"In time, Formula E will even surpass Formula 1," predicts Dodds. "I think this is the first time that, if you're a Formula 1 or Formula 2 driver, you look at it and genuinely say: I want to drive that. Instant sensation, instant violence when you put your foot down. A very different driving experience, incredible top speed, so I think Gen4 is a really important moment for us, a real turning point."

It is striking how strongly Dodds emphasises the immediate driving experience. His statements are not just aimed at the bare technical data, but at what a driver feels in the cockpit. This is precisely the point that is particularly relevant for drivers from other top series.

First direct enquiries from Formula 1 drivers

The difference to the current generation becomes particularly clear in Dodds' description of his contacts with Formula 1 drivers: "I've spoken to several Formula 1 drivers, not just one. I'm not going to name names because that wouldn't be fair to them, because I have a private relationship with them. But if I'm honest, during Gen3 nobody messaged me asking whether there was any chance they could get in the car and test it."

For Formula E, this is more than just a PR effect. When active Formula 1 drivers not only praise it publicly, but also ask about testing opportunities internally, that's a different quality of attention. The Gen4 racing car thus gains relevance beyond its own series. And not just in the media, but directly among active drivers from the top tier of motorsport.

Positive feedback from the paddock as a trigger

According to Dodds, the feedback from those drivers who have already tested the Gen4 is the key factor. "Gen4 was the first real opportunity for that. And generally, all these guys are friends. All the drivers know each other. It'll be what the drivers here have been saying about the car after driving it that has intrigued the Formula 1 drivers and made them ask whether they can test it."

A classic effect, and not just in motorsport: word spreads quickly when something new wins people over. For the racing series, which in its twelfth season is still clearly behind Formula 1 in terms of public perception, this is probably one of the greatest hopes associated with the Gen4 car. And that even before the car's first race outing.