Max Verstappen Invited to Test Formula E After F1 Car Criticism

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Max Verstappen’s recent critique of the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars has drawn a playful, yet pointed, response from Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. Following Verstappen’s assessment that the new F1 machines are akin to “Formula E on steroids,” Dodds extended an invitation to the Red Bull Racing driver to experience the all-electric series firsthand at this weekend’s Jeddah E-Prix.

Verstappen voiced his concerns during testing in Bahrain, specifically highlighting the increased emphasis on energy management within the new regulations. The overhaul introduces a near 50-50 split between combustion and battery power, requiring drivers to strategically manage electrical power, recharge through braking and deploy different power modes throughout a race. Verstappen characterized this as “anti-racing” and expressed a preference for the more direct driving experience of Formula E, where energy efficiency is a core component.

Dodds, currently in Jeddah for rounds four and five of the 2025/26 Formula E season, reportedly sent a text message to Verstappen extending the invitation. “My slightly tongue-in-cheek message from last night was, well, one, you’re in Bahrain, I’m in Jeddah,” Dodds told ESPN. “It’s a quick flight. I’ll go and get him if he wants.” He added, “Open invitation. Come and drive the car. For the Gen 4 car, come and have a go and see what you think.”

The invitation comes as Formula E prepares to debut its Gen 4 car in the 2026-27 season. This new single-seater boasts approximately 600 kW (over 800 horsepower) with permanent all-wheel drive, enhanced aerodynamics, and advanced regenerative technology. Dodds believes the Gen 4 car represents a significant leap forward in performance, aiming to be the series’ fastest and most efficient machine yet, and potentially more appealing to a driver like Verstappen who values raw speed and direct control.

“Gen 4 is much faster than Gen 3 and much more powerful than Gen 3, probably 10 seconds a lap faster than a Gen 3 car,” Dodds explained. He further suggested that Formula E’s technological trajectory is focused on continuous improvement. “And when Gen 5 comes, which will hopefully include solid-state batteries and more power and maybe slick tyres and all this other stuff, the car will keep getting faster.”

Dodds also pointed to a key difference in the technological paths of the two series. He argued that continued increases in electric power within Formula 1 could ultimately lead to slower lap times due to the added weight of batteries and associated technology. “So if they keep adding more electric power, the cars will get slower,” he stated. “So I’m not sure they’ll look to do that. But maybe what he’s realising and thinking about is where is this going? What does this become?”

Verstappen isn’t the only driver to express reservations about the 2026 F1 regulations. Lewis Hamilton recently voiced concerns about the complexity of the new rules, suggesting that fans may require a specialized understanding to fully grasp the intricacies of the new power units.

Dodds acknowledged that concerns from drivers like Verstappen and Hamilton are natural, given the significant changes to Formula 1’s technical landscape. “I was maybe surprised that he used Formula E as a reference point, but I wasn’t surprised by what he said because I think Max and Lewis and these guys have been quite open in their concern for what happens when you’re effectively compromising the technology, keeping combustion technology, adding powertrain technology and not choosing a pathway.”

He added, “I think I wasn’t surprised because we all know what Max loves to do, which is go full send, full throttle, everything on the edge, which is why he loves racing GT3 cars at the Nürburgring and why he’s loved the previous generation of Formula One. So I wasn’t surprised that with this new era where the car’s a bit heavier, it’s a bit slower, there’s more energy management, I’m not surprised to hear Max say, I’m not enjoying this as much.”

The invitation to Verstappen is more than just a playful jab; it’s an opportunity for the Formula E CEO to showcase the advancements in electric racing technology and potentially offer a different perspective to one of Formula 1’s most dominant drivers. Whether Verstappen will accept the invitation remains to be seen, but the exchange highlights the evolving debate surrounding the future of motorsport and the role of electric power within it.

Lucas di Grassi, the reigning Formula E champion, also weighed in on Verstappen’s comments, posting on social media that Formula E’s Gen 4.5 and 5 cars “will be way faster than current F1 cars” and inviting Verstappen to “come and drive the fastest cars on the planet in a few years.”