Formula E's Gen4 Car Wins Over Traditional Motorsport Fans

A New Era for Formula E

Formula E has long been seen as a niche alternative to traditional motorsport, but the introduction of its Gen4 car is changing that perception. Since its inception in 2014, the championship has struggled to gain traction among fans of combustion engine-based racing. Many viewed it as an experimental series with limited appeal compared to more established competitions like Formula 1.

However, the arrival of the Gen4 car marks a significant shift. With 800bhp in Attack Mode and qualifying, along with permanent all-wheel drive, this next-generation vehicle is expected to outperform current Formula 2 machinery and close the gap significantly to Formula 1. This means electric racing cars could match the performance of top-tier single-seaters for the first time in history.

The Gen4 car is not just about speed—it also represents a new direction for Formula E. The calendar is expected to feature more permanent tracks than ever before, with some tight and twisty street circuits being dropped altogether. This change aims to provide a more consistent and competitive racing environment.

Changing Perceptions

Ellie Norman, Formula E's chief marketing officer, believes the public launch of the Gen4 car at Paul Ricard has already started to shift perceptions. “It's been wonderful to read the comments and to see the conversations that are happening on Reddit or Discord and across broader media,” she said.

Within what she describes as a more traditional motorsport fan base, the positivity towards the car’s appearance and performance is turning heads. Many fans who have traditionally watched Formula 1 are now considering Formula E as a viable alternative. “We're leaders in the space of electrification,” Norman added. “We can regenerate more power than a Formula 1 car can deploy, and we're experts in this field.”

This expertise has led to very competitive wheel-to-wheel racing, demonstrated over the last 12 years with 11 different world champions. Even in the early races of the 2025-26 season, there have been multiple drivers on the podium.

A New Approach to Fan Engagement

While Formula E made a sizeable leap with each era, the Gen4 marks arguably the most seismic shift in the series’ history. The change in technical regulations will be followed by an updated sporting format, while struggling manufacturers will also have a better chance at closing the gap to the front through a ‘token’ system for upgrades.

Norman sees this as an opportunity to reset how people think about Formula E. “We'll be really pushing much more on driver storytelling and the human connection, putting much more feeling and grit into what you can expect from Formula E,” she said.

Having helped turn F1 into a household name during her previous stint, Norman wants to replicate that strategy in Formula E by turning each race weekend into a larger festival. The actual on-track product will remain at the center of the show, but Formula E aims to offer spectators a more complete experience.

“We want to evolve Formula E from what has been perhaps a sort of smaller motorsport, only being 12 years old, into being much more of an entertainment and festival-led sort of motorsport,” she explained. “So, it is vitally important that the product continues to improve. And we see that with the innovation and the sort of technology in the cars, and the opportunity to continue to innovate in sporting formats.”

Enhancing the Fan Experience

In addition to improving the on-track product, Formula E is focusing on creating a more engaging experience for fans. “Just as importantly as we welcome new fans into Formula E is to really ensure that the experience in and around the event delivers for their expectations and their needs,” Norman said.

This includes events like the fan village in Berlin, which features lots of different activities, a big focus on local music talent, and leaning into local food culture and fashion. “We are really ensuring that when you're here, you're here for the day and you can entertain yourself every minute,” she added.

Looking Ahead

The Gen4 era will kick off before the end of the year, with the first race of the 2026-27 season expected to take place in December. This marks a new chapter for Formula E, one that aims to redefine its place in the world of motorsport.