Formula E CEO renews push to get Verstappen into 600kW Gen4 car

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has issued a fresh invitation to Max Verstappen to test the championship’s new Gen4 car, describing the four-time Formula 1 world champion as someone whose feedback would be genuinely valuable to the series.

“No, we haven’t talked to him more about the car,” Dodds told RacingNews365. “I know he’s very focused, delighted to see him re-sign with Red Bull for the long term. But I’d still love to see Max in this car, partly because I just really value his insight. So I’d love him to drive the car to be able to give us real feedback, real insight into what he thinks of it.”

The Gen4 machine represents a significant step up in performance from its predecessor, producing 450kW of race power and up to 600kW in Attack Mode, with permanent all-wheel drive throughout. The car has already attracted attention from the F1 paddock — reigning champion Lando Norris inspected it during the Monaco E-Prix, with Carlos Sainz and Nico Hulkenberg also taking a closer look.

Dodds also pointed to Verstappen’s broader business interests in motorsport as a potential avenue for collaboration. “His investments are not just in him racing Formula 1 cars,” he said. “He’s also building academies, and he’s very focused on sim-to-track activity. I think there are opportunities to do things with him that could be pretty exciting.”

A natural moment for any crossover could arrive in 2027, when Formula E is set to race at Zandvoort in a double-header — the first time the series will visit Verstappen’s home country. Dodds declined to confirm whether the Dutchman would be involved, but suggested the Gen4 car’s performance would attract a wave of new drivers to the championship. “We’re going to be overwhelmed with potential new drivers,” he said.

Verstappen has shown a willingness to race outside Formula 1, most recently competing in GT racing, and has spoken positively about the Gen4 car in the past. Whether that interest translates into seat time remains to be seen.