David Coulthard discovers warp speed in the new Formula E GEN4 machine
It is not every day that a double Monaco Grand Prix winner is left truly stunned, but David Coulthard’s run in the new Formula E GEN4 car on the streets of Monte Carlo was clearly no ordinary test. With 600kW of power and permanent four-wheel drive at his disposal, the former Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing driver described his experience in the tunnel as something straight out of Star Wars.
This machine is an absolute monster. We are talking about 0-100kph in 1.8 seconds and speeds exceeding 335kph, which is a massive leap forward. Coulthard, who drove 246 Grands Prix in his career, noted that the acceleration is unlike anything he has ever felt on these streets. He was adamant that there is simply no comparison between this and the current GEN3 Evo, highlighting the new car's ability to handle anything thrown at it through the apex.
The GEN4 is set to arrive for the 2026/27 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, bringing all-wheel drive and a massive power increase to the grid. It is an impressive piece of engineering, and with the series also preparing for a debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, it is clear that electric racing is entering a fascinating new chapter.
