Formula E Gen4 wins over Max Verstappen after major step forward

The all-electric series finds itself at a pivotal moment in its recent history, with the new generation of cars set to deliver a major leap not only in outright performance but at a level now far more comparable to other single-seater machinery.

New cars are set to produce 450 kW (around 600 bhp) in race trim, rising to 600 kW (around 800 bhp) in Attack Mode, with a top speed of 335 km/h and a blistering 0-100 km/h time of around 1.8 seconds.

Speaking to Motorsport Week, Da Costa revealed that Verstappen had initially been unconvinced by the Gen3 car when it was first unveiled, but changed his view with the arrival of Gen4, reaching out again to express his appreciation as the new generation made a clear step in the right direction.

Oscar Piastri believes the sport would take a significant hit if Verstappen were to walk away, especially given where he is in his career right now. He sees him as the benchmark of the past five or six years and stresses that drivers want to measure themselves against the very best, which is why losing him would also reflect poorly on Formula 1 as a whole.

Lando Norris agrees that Verstappen’s exit would be a blow, but also points out that seeing him compete in other categories could be exciting from a fan’s perspective.

He notes that Verstappen is still focused on securing a fifth world title, suggesting he is likely to remain in Formula 1 longer than many expect.