The tension is rising between Formula E and Formula 1! While Max Verstappen, the star driver of Red Bull, does not hesitate to label the new Formula 1 cars as “Formula E on steroids,” Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E, extends an invitation full of irony. This weekend in Jeddah, the tone will be set, and the Dutchman may well discover a world where energy reigns supreme.
The duel of philosophies
It all started during the Bahrain tests, where Verstappen expressed his concerns about the new generation of Formula 1 cars. “A lot of what you do as a driver has a huge effect on the energy aspect,” he stated, criticizing the increased energy management that characterizes these machines. For him, it no longer corresponds to the very essence of Formula 1. On the contrary, he suggests that Formula E would be more suited to his tastes.
These statements did not fail to attract attention. Dodds, a true maestro of teasing, seized the opportunity to throw a line to Verstappen: “I sent a message to Max yesterday to basically say: ‘You are in Bahrain, I am in Jeddah, if you prefer to come here instead, I will come get you.’ An invitation that could make the champion think.
A spectacle not to be missed
Jeff Dodds also highlighted the importance of this media exposure for Formula E. “I am not surprised at all. Many Formula E drivers and team directors have contacted me to say that this is a great opportunity for us,” he explained. He does not hide his enthusiasm: “What you will see here is close combat, wheel-to-wheel racing, probably 150 overtakes during the race.”
For him, the interest generated by Verstappen’s comments could attract a new audience to this 100% electric championship. After all, if a driver of Verstappen’s caliber mentions Formula E, it means something interesting is happening there.
Verstappen and the Gen4: an explosive meeting?
The Porsche Gen4 of Formula E, a machine that could appeal even to the most reluctant.
With the arrival of the new technical regulations for the 2026/27 season, the Gen4 car will be able to produce 800 hp thanks to an all-wheel-drive system. A change that could reduce the performance gap between F1 and Formula E. Dodds does not hide his optimism: “If Max got into the Gen4, I think he would love it.”
He adds: “600 kilowatts of raw power, permanent all-wheel drive, 70% more power than the current car. Lap times that will not be very far from a Formula 1 of the new era.” Just imagine: instant torque that propels the car to 100 km/h in just 1.8 seconds. For Verstappen, used to the thrills of F1, this could be a true revelation.
The challenges of Formula 1 version 2026
Max Verstappen driving the Red Bull in Bahrain.
Behind Verstappen’s criticisms lies a deep frustration related to the philosophy of the new F1 rules. The 2026 regulations significantly increase the electric component in the engine while retaining the traditional internal combustion engine. For Dodds, this situation creates tensions: “He feels limited in the car.”
According to him, Verstappen feels that F1 is evolving towards a different driving style, less raw and more strategic. “In Formula 1, you have always had to preserve something: tires, fuel, etc. The strategy is different.” This echoes the simplicity and authenticity of Formula E, where energy is the only master on board.
The future of motorsport
Dodds concludes by mentioning the duality that reigns in the world of F1: “There needs to be new electric technology because that is the direction the world is heading. But they also want to preserve the sound and heritage.” A real headache for organizers trying to juggle between tradition and modernity.
Yet, in this clash between two automotive philosophies, Formula E could well come out on top. If Verstappen’s comments manage to attract more attention to this electric championship, then the future looks promising for 100% electric single-seaters.
