Performance potential of Formula E GEN4 excites Webber

Former Formula 1 driver and FIA World Endurance Championship champion Mark Webber says Formula E’s upcoming GEN4 (pictured above in prototype form) regulations will present “the best example of Formula E we've ever seen.”

Webber, who won nine grands prix with Red Bull in the 2010s, was in attendance at the Berlin Grand Prix in his role as a Porsche Motorsport ambassador, where he drove the brand’s legendary 917 in demonstration runs as part of Porsche Motorsport’s 75th anniversary celebrations. He also serves as Sunday Formula E race winner – and race wins record holder – Mitch Evans’ manager, making him very familiar with the all-electric series.

"I've seen Formula E from its infancy really early on,” he said. “It's been around over 10 years now, so it's been a long time. And through all the generations of cars and different types of circuits, what's absolutely clear is just how competitive it is. There's some seriously, seriously handy racing drivers. Some of the best guys in the world are in this championship.

“And how the teams operate it, it's a very complex championship to be competitive in because the margins are so, so, so small. So, yeah, it's been good to watch. I've been to quite a few races and it’s super competitive, and I know they've got some exciting plans for the future as well.”

Webber (left) serves as manager to Jaguar Formula E racer Mitch Evans (right). Jordan McKean/Getty Images

Those plans are the car which will be introduced next season: the GEN4. The new car will deliver a power increase of 50% over the current car, along with high- and low-downforce aero configurations and permanent all-wheel drive allowing for top speeds in excess of 200mph and acceleration figures better than Formula 1.

“Faster is always better for us drivers,” Webber said. “I'm hearing good things about the GEN4 car: very, very, very quick, a lot of power. It's going to be very, very interesting how they select the circuits, how the calendar looks – obviously that's in good hands – making sure it gets some good feedback from the drivers. But I think ultimately, that’ll be the best example of Formula E we've ever seen. No question about it.

“That's what the drivers want. The speeds are pretty high at the moment, but obviously it sounds like they're going to be incredibly impressive next year. I look forward to watching that and if the drivers are happy then generally the championship's happy.”

Last week, it was announced that Webber’s protege Evans would be leaving Jaguar TCS Racing after 10 years.