"The cars will be faster than those in Formula 1," promises Formula E.

As part of a profound regulatory change, the Formula 1 has begun the transformation of its engines, with hybridization now increased to 50/50 from the 2026 season. They cannot remove the internal combustion engine because they cannot switch to a 100% electric engine. " insists Jeff Dodds, head of the Formula E, which holds a worldwide exclusive license from the FIA ​​to be the only 100% electric single-seater world championship.

But by retaining its internal combustion engine while increasing the electric component, the premier category becomes considerably heavier. This is evidenced by the lap times recorded at Suzuka, which indicate a loss of nearly 1,5 seconds per lap compared to the previous season.

Although the internal combustion engine of a Formula 1 car remains the most efficient in the world today, its efficiency is also stagnating at around 40%. "This means that more than half of the energy created is lost into the atmosphere.", analyzes the CEO of Formula E in an interview with Business of SportsThis loss is precisely what creates the roar so appreciated by fans, but it is also an insurmountable physical limit.

On the other hand, Formula E plays in a different league. "Our propulsion systems operate with an efficiency rate of 97%"he recalls. Our cars will become faster than Formula 1 cars. And that's not because we're smarter, it's simply due to the physics of the technology behind our single-seaters.

The ambition is clear: to dethrone the top category in terms of pure performance within ten years. In two, three, four, five or six years, cars will be faster than Formula 1 cars. "Dodds assures.

A growing audience

Meanwhile, Formula E is focusing on expanding its audience. While it still lags far behind Formula 1, with 33 million fans compared to 827 million for the premier category, the electric series is showing steady growth. Furthermore, it can boast of attracting a younger and, above all, more gender-balanced audience.

« A large part of our audience is discovering motorsport with us.Jeff Dodds explains. We have a 50/50 male-female split, which is unprecedented in motorsport, and half are under 45 years old. »

These growth and performance objectives will be driven in particular by the introduction of the Gen4 during the 2026-2027 season. With a power output of 600 kW (approximately 815 hp), this new generation promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 1,8 seconds and a top speed exceeding 320 km/h. Enough to guarantee a spectacular show on the track.

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