Formula E’s Gen4 era has clearly captured the imagination of the paddock, but perhaps the most telling endorsement comes from the very top of the motorsport pyramid. Series CEO Jeff Dodds has revealed that several Formula 1 drivers, including reigning world champion Lando Norris, were left visibly impressed by the new machinery during the Monaco E-Prix, an event Dodds described as the standout moment of the 2025-26 season.
A Star-Studded Visit to Monte Carlo
The Monaco E-Prix, which served as rounds nine and ten of the current Formula E campaign, attracted a host of F1 luminaries in May. Among them was Norris, who was seen mingling in the paddock and taking a keen interest in the Gen4 cars. According to Dodds, the reactions from these F1 stars were overwhelmingly positive, with several using the phrase ‘drooling’ to describe their awe at the performance and technology on display.
Speaking about the event, Dodds beamed with pride as he recounted the conversations he had with the F1 contingent. ‘It was my highlight of the season, without a doubt,’ he said. ‘To have those drivers come over and see what we’ve built, and to hear their genuine excitement, was incredibly validating for everyone in Formula E.’
Gen4: A Quantum Leap
The Gen4 car, introduced at the start of the 2025-26 season, represents a significant evolution for the all-electric series. With increased power output, improved aerodynamics, and a new all-wheel-drive system that can be deployed in qualifying and at race starts, the car is designed to be faster, more efficient, and more spectacular than its predecessor. The result has been a noticeable uptick in on-track action, with closer racing and more overtaking opportunities.
For F1 drivers accustomed to the pinnacle of internal combustion and hybrid technology, the Gen4’s performance clearly resonated. The car’s acceleration out of slow corners, its braking stability, and its overall agility drew particular praise. Dodds noted that the F1 visitors were especially intrigued by the all-wheel-drive launch system, which allows the car to rocket off the line with astonishing force.
Cross-Series Respect
The visit was not just a one-way street of admiration. Several F1 drivers took the opportunity to engage with Formula E teams and engineers, swapping insights on setup, energy management, and race strategy. This cross-pollination of ideas is something Dodds believes will benefit both championships in the long run.
‘There’s a mutual respect there,’ Dodds explained. ‘They see the technical challenge we face – managing energy, extracting performance from a single battery pack, and doing it all in the most demanding street circuits in the world. And we see their mastery of aero and tyre management. There’s a lot we can learn from each other.’
The Monaco Weekend in Numbers
The Monaco E-Prix itself delivered two thrilling races, with Nyck de Vries taking victory in the first encounter and Oliver Rowland winning the second. The pair’s performances underlined the competitive depth of the Gen4 era, where multiple race winners have emerged across the season. The presence of the F1 stars added an extra layer of glamour to an already prestigious weekend, reinforcing Monaco’s status as a jewel in the motorsport calendar.
Why This Matters for Formula E
Having F1 drivers openly enthuse about the Gen4 car is a significant moment for Formula E. It signals that the series is no longer viewed as a niche experiment but as a legitimate rival in the high-tech world of motorsport. The endorsement from Norris, a driver at the peak of his powers, carries weight among fans and potential sponsors alike.
For Dodds, the reaction is proof that Formula E’s direction under Gen4 is the right one. ‘We set out to create a car that would excite not just our fans but also the very best drivers in the world,’ he said. ‘To see that happen in Monaco, in front of the world’s media, was a proud moment for the entire organization.’
Looking Ahead
As the 2025-26 season enters its final stretch, the momentum generated by the Monaco weekend could prove pivotal. With the championship battle heating up and the Gen4 car continuing to impress, Formula E is well-positioned to build on this wave of positive attention. The series has always prided itself on innovation and sustainability, and the Gen4 car embodies those values while delivering the kind of wheel-to-wheel racing that fans crave.
For now, Dodds is basking in the glow of a job well done. ‘When you see Lando Norris and his peers genuinely excited about what we’re doing, you know you’re on the right track,’ he said. ‘That’s the kind of validation you can’t buy.’
