The fallout from criticism of the new F1 2026 regulations has taken an unexpected turn, with Formula E chief Jeff Dodds publicly inviting Max Verstappen to try an electric car after the Red Bull star likened the latest Formula 1 machinery to “Formula E on steroids.” Rather than bristling at the remark, the championship’s CEO treated it as an opportunity to showcase his own series.
Verstappen’s comments came after running in Bahrain testing, where the radical rules have transformed the driving experience through a much heavier reliance on electrical power. Drivers must now carefully balance energy deployment, harvesting and efficiency, prompting concerns that the cars feel constrained compared to previous generations built around sustained flat out performance.
The four-time world champion did not hold back, suggesting the new machines feel closer to an exaggerated version of all electric single seaters than traditional grand prix cars. His remarks quickly circulated beyond the Formula 1 paddock, reaching the Formula E championship, which is also racing in the Middle East this weekend.
“I saw the comments last night and when a four time world champion says something, it is important to listen,” Dodds told SoyMotor. “The first thing I have to say is that I do not understand why people are surprised, because inevitably it is a compromise between combustion and electric power, with the weight and technology of two different systems, and it requires a completely different driving style.”
An open invitation to Jeddah
Rather than dismissing Verstappen’s critique, Dodds suggested the comparison highlighted the fundamental difference between the two categories. Formula E has always been fully electric, whereas Formula 1’s new hybrid concept blends combustion with battery power.
“Max is very much a purist, we saw it with his GT3 experience at the Nurburgring,” Dodds continued. “We have always been electric, there are no compromises, and every generation of our car is faster. Physics says that the more electric power you add without removing combustion, the slower the car becomes because you are adding weight and complexity.”
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In a surprising twist, Dodds said he even sent Verstappen a message inviting him to Jeddah, where Formula E is racing, to drive one of its cars as early as Saturday.
“I take it a bit as a compliment,” Dodds explained. “Our cars are designed to be driven in a very specific way, with extremely hard braking to regenerate energy and very strong acceleration. Formula 1 is not designed for that, so when he says ‘on steroids,’ if he means unnatural, then he is right.”
“Of course, it will not surprise you if I say that I sent Max a message last night, because Jeddah is not far from Bahrain and I would be happy to pick him up. He could probably be here to drive the car on Saturday if he wants. He has not replied, I understand he is quite busy in Bahrain.”
Dodds keen to hear Verstappen’s verdict
Dodds emphasised that he would welcome feedback from one of motorsport’s biggest stars, adding that this is not the first time he has extended such an invitation. The Formula E organisation has been eager to showcase its next generation technology, including the upcoming Gen4 prototype.
“I have invited him, literally I sent him a message last night,” Dodds said. “If he shows up, we will put him in the car and see what he thinks. He has to demonstrate that he can drive safely, but we would love to have him. I made a big bet with Max a couple of years ago, I am a big fan of Max, he is a great racing driver, a big personality, very frank and says exactly what he thinks, which is important.”
“I would love to see Max in the car, and the offer is an invitation for him to come and try it. I have invited him since the Gen4 prototype has been available.”
Whether Verstappen takes up the offer remains to be seen, but the exchange highlights the growing debate over Formula 1’s technological direction and how it compares with the rapidly evolving all electric series.
