F1 drivers seek private Gen4 test, Formula E CEO says invitation is open

Formula E chief Jeff Dodds says several current F1 drivers have asked for private test sessions in the new Gen4 car, set to debut in the series’ 13th season. The Gen4 delivers 600 kW (815 bhp) and can hit 210 mph, with lap times projected between a Formula 2 and a Formula 1 car. The open invitation highlights the growing convergence of the two top‑level single‑seaters.

Why it matters:

• Shows a crossover of talent as both championships roll out new power‑unit rules, giving drivers a glimpse of the electric future and potentially spurring driver swaps or tech sharing.
• Confirms Formula E’s performance leap, positioning it as a genuine on‑track rival to Formula 1 for fans, sponsors and manufacturers.

The details:

• Gen4 features permanent all‑wheel drive, two aerodynamic packages and 600 kW output; speeds over 210 mph have already been logged in testing.
• Private manufacturer testing began in November, while the FIA has been shaping the chassis since early 2023.
• Lap times are expected to sit between those of a Formula 2 and a Formula 1 car, a sizable gain over Gen3’s slower figures.
• Max Verstappen likened the new F1 regulations to “Formula E on steroids” and was offered a Gen4 test; other unnamed F1 drivers have requested private runs.

What's next:

• The Gen4 will race officially when the 2024‑25 Formula E season launches in December, with teams still fine‑tuning the package.
• Dodds says the invitation remains open to any F1 driver, hinting at possible high‑profile off‑season tests.
• If drivers feel the Gen4’s speed, the performance gap with F1 could shrink further, ushering in a new era of competition for talent and technology.

With the Gen4’s performance edge and the willingness of F1 talent to sample it, Formula E is poised to accelerate its ascent as the sport’s premier electric platform, while F1 may look to the series for inspiration on power‑unit efficiency.