A lingering question for Formula E, when it will enter its fourth era in 2026, is how it will get the cocktail of performance, venue and show just right.
There is some truth in the notion right now that Formula E is entering an era of exapansive experimentation ahead of Gen4 in attempting to get its sporting and technical blend right. All-Wheel-Drive is here, partly, and in Jeddah will come pit-boosting stops to further spice up and complicate the sporting framework.
Realtime experimentation is a risky business though. Get it right and it gives a solid and robust outline for the future. Get it wrong and it alienates powerful manufacturers and ostracizes established fans and other consumers.
What is known is that Formula E needs more performance. It is a maturing concept now and no longer then new kid on the block. Entering its second decade it should know what it needs to be, and it should be quick, it should be F2 quick at the very least.
At present it is not. It’s F3 quick and in the minds of those that are susceptible to get on board with Formula E it’s on the cusp of turning them.
Forget the 200mph signage you’ll see erroneously draped over walls, pit buildings and billboards, Formula E cars do not run at 200mph. Theoretically it could be possible, although not yet proven.
The reality is that Formula E for some reason feels as though it needs to propagate such fantasies ahead of actually achieving that in 2026.
“I think it needs to have more performance because credibility comes from performance in my opinion,” Envision’s Sebastien Buemi told Formula E Notebook earlier this month.
“I think Gen4 is going to be a good step. Again, I find it extremely difficult because you want to grow the technology, you want to grow the speed, you want to keep the good tracks and you want to keep the show.
“All those things to work together is extremely difficult. Look at Rome, an amazing track. I think now with the car we have now it would not be adequate anymore. It was a great track.
“Then maybe you go to a different track that is not as good, but you have a car that is faster. Then maybe the car is a lot faster, it’s better for people because they have more respect and you gain credibility, but then maybe you have less overtaking and less spectacle for the racing. To mix everything together is extremely complicated.”
Buemi is a thoughtful driver and one that with a decade of experience in Formula E should be listened to. He is often gauged by Formula E and FIA executives on his opinions and he would be an excellent advisor after his professional career comes to an end.
More ex-drivers and technical personnel are clearly needed on the promotional side too. They know what excites and motivates them and their teams. The bigger picture is vital for a healthy Formula E and while only time will tell if Gen4 will be that breakthrough, experimentation is probably still needed to get the cocktail just the right side of refreshment and deliciousness.
