Verstappen hails Formula E Gen4 after mocking F1's new rules
Formula E's radical new Gen4 car is already turning heads in Formula 1 circles - including that of Max Verstappen.
The Dutchman, who has previously mocked F1's new regulations as "Formula E on steroids", has now reportedly privately described the all-electric series' next-generation machine as "cool".
The Gen4 car made its public debut this week at Circuit Paul Ricard, with performance figures suggesting a major step forward.
It is capable of more than 335kph, 0-100kph in around 1.8 seconds and 0-200kph in 4.4 seconds, while delivering up to 600kW in attack mode.
During demonstration runs, former F1 test driver James Rossiter said the jump from the current generation is dramatic.
"No, I honestly couldn't believe it," he said. "The step up is simply enormous. The speed is incredible, with you accelerating over 320kph before the braking zones.
"At the end of the straight, you're going at the same speed as an F1 car. The acceleration with 600 kW and all-wheel drive - honestly, from a driver's perspective, it's on par with what the V10 felt like in F1 in 2004 and 2005."
He added: "The weird thing is, the acceleration never stops. You press the gas and instantly get exactly what you want. No delay, no millisecond, nothing. Just all the power at once."
Rossiter also contrasted the car with the complexity of Formula 1's new rules.
"If I'm perfectly honest, I'm finding the new rules rather overcomplicated," he said.
"It's difficult to understand for the fan. If they can get their heads around what's going on in Formula 1, they're going to fall in love with Formula E because it simplifies that in a beautiful way."
The new car is expected to be significantly faster than its predecessor and even approach Formula 2 pace.
Related: Verstappen threatens F1 exit as fury with rules grows
2 F1 Fan comments on “Verstappen hails Formula E Gen4 after mocking F1's new rules”
💬 Join the conversation — see the latest comments from F1 fans →
They could race fe cars with fake added petrol engine noise on the f1 circuits and it would be better racing than what we have now
They could program the cars to drive themselves. Or the drivers could drive them from home on their computers. Actually the more you think about it the more you realise how pointless f1 is. I’m going out to do some weeding.