Max Verstappen Receives Formula E Invitation Following F1 Criticism
Max Verstappen has been offered an opportunity to experience Formula E racing after the four-time world champion delivered a scathing assessment of the new generation of Formula 1 cars during pre-season testing in Bahrain this week. The Red Bull star's comments have sparked a direct response from Formula E leadership, who have extended a personal invitation to the Dutch driver.
Verstappen's Damning Assessment of New F1 Era
During testing sessions in Bahrain, Verstappen expressed significant dissatisfaction with the 2026 F1 cars, which feature substantially increased electrical power components. This technological shift requires drivers to focus more on energy recovery during races, limiting opportunities for flat-out driving that has traditionally defined Formula 1 competition.
"As a driver, the feeling is not very Formula 1-like," Verstappen stated. "It feels a bit more like Formula E on steroids. As a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out. And at the moment, you cannot drive like that."
The reigning world champion elaborated on his concerns, noting that "a lot of what you do as a driver, in terms of inputs, has a massive effect on the energy side of things. For me, that's just not Formula 1. Maybe it's better to drive Formula E, right? Because that's all about energy efficiency and management."
Formula E CEO Extends Direct Invitation
Formula E Chief Executive Jeff Dodds responded directly to Verstappen's comments, telling Mirror Sport that the Dutch driver would be "always welcome" to try Formula E machinery. Dodds revealed he had personally messaged Verstappen with a "tongue-in-cheek" invitation to participate in Formula E's Evo Sessions series in Saudi Arabia this weekend.
"I offered to come and get him if he would rather come here and have a go in an electric car," Dodds confirmed. "That invitation is open to Max always. I love Max. Generational talent as a driver. I love his character, I love the fact he says exactly what he feels."
Technical Comparisons Between Series
Dodds highlighted significant performance differences between the two racing series, noting that Formula E's upcoming Gen4 car for 2027 will feature:
- 30% faster acceleration than current F1 cars
- Permanent all-wheel drive capability
- The ability to drive at top speed without lifting
"He would be able to go and thrash that car for half an hour at top speed and not lift," Dodds explained. "I think he'd really enjoy that style of driving, I think that absolutely suits him."
Growing Interest From F1 Drivers
The Formula E CEO revealed increasing interest from Formula 1 competitors, stating: "I have more and more contact from Formula 1 drivers now asking how they could test a car. As our cars get faster, naturally, we're going to attract more Formula 1 drivers."
Dodds emphasized that he doesn't view the relationship between the two series as competitive, but rather complementary: "I have no interest in them failing because, actually, I think a healthy Formula 1, a healthy kind of pinnacle of traditional motorsport, is good for all motorsport."
Validation of Formula E Technology
The executive pointed to Formula 1's technological direction as validation for Formula E's approach: "What I think is very exciting for us is this validation of our technology and this validation of our street racing, our urban street circuits, our electric powertrain and the fact that Formula 1 is moving more towards this."
While acknowledging the different auditory experiences between the series, Dodds noted: "The one thing I can't promise Max is we'll make it sound like a tractor. That won't happen. We're always going to be more fighter jet and spacecraft than tractor."
The invitation remains open as Formula E continues its event in Jeddah, just a short flight from Verstappen's testing location in Bahrain, creating potential for an unprecedented crossover between the two premier motorsport categories.
