Get ready for an electrifying season of Formula E! The 2025-26 season is upon us, and it promises to be an absolute thriller. With the Gen3 era coming to an end, our experts are here to give you their predictions and insights, ensuring you're up to speed before the action kicks off in Sao Paulo this weekend.
The Final Chapter of Gen3: A Season of Champions
It's hard to believe that Formula E's Gen3 era is already drawing to a close. Just a few years ago, the series took its first tentative steps into this new era, and now we're on the brink of the last season under these rules. So, as we enter the fourth and final season of this cycle, our panel of experts is here to tackle the burning questions and offer their predictions.
Our esteemed panel includes Sam Smith, our Formula E Correspondent, alongside Andrew van de Burgt, Jim Wright, Albert Lau, Tom Brooks, and Georgia Williams, each bringing their unique expertise to the table.
Who Will Reign Supreme?
Sam Smith boldly predicts that Pascal Wehrlein will claim his second title, but it won't be an easy ride. Oliver Rowland, Nyck de Vries, and Mitch Evans are expected to push him to the limit, making it a thrilling battle until the very end in London. However, Andrew van de Burgt believes this is Evans' year, citing Jaguar's impressive form from last season.
Jim Wright adds an interesting perspective, emphasizing the importance of consistency. He predicts multiple winners and podium finishers, with the key to success lying in a team's ability to develop their Gen4 car while also mounting a championship challenge.
Albert Lau takes a statistical approach, analyzing race pace and driver performance. He highlights Mahindra and Jaguar as front-runners, with Porsche and DS also in the mix. Tom Brooks and Georgia Williams both see Nick Cassidy as a strong contender, with Williams predicting a new champion, possibly Evans, if Jaguar can maintain their momentum.
The Race to Victory: Who Will Win and How Many Times?
Albert Lau predicts an exciting season with multiple race winners. He sees Mahindra's Edoardo Mortara taking the first win in Sao Paulo, followed by Porsche's Maximilian Guenther in Mexico. Wehrlein is expected to open his win column in Miami, while Barnard and Rowland are predicted to battle it out in Jeddah. Porsche is favored in Madrid, with Wehrlein building his championship lead. Monaco could see Rowland and de Vries on the top step, while Sanya might be a surprise win for Antonio Felix da Costa.
Sam Smith predicts eight winners, including the title contenders and a few dark horses like da Costa, Cassidy, and Mortara. Andrew van de Burgt and Georgia Williams both go for ten winners, with a mix of seasoned drivers and newcomers. Tom Brooks expects six to eight winners, with Barnard potentially taking his first win.
The Surprise Factor: What Will Shock the Season?
Georgia Williams believes Mahindra will surprise many with their consistent front-running performance. Sam Smith predicts that Barnard won't win a race, citing the cultural shift within his team. Albert Lau sees Stellantis pushing Porsche and Jaguar for the manufacturer's title, while Andrew van de Burgt highlights Felipe Drugovich as a breakout star.
Rookie Report: Drugovich and Marti's Journey
The panel discusses the challenges faced by rookies Drugovich and Marti. Albert Lau emphasizes the historical difficulty of Formula E for newcomers, but Tom Brooks and Sam Smith are more optimistic, believing Drugovich could match or even beat his Andretti teammate Jake Dennis. Marti, on the other hand, is expected to take some time to adapt, but both rookies are predicted to score points and retain their seats for Gen4.
A Season of Success: What Does It Look Like?
Tom Brooks envisions a successful season as one that mirrors the ultra-close racing of 2024-25, with a title battle going down to the wire. He also hopes for more buzz around Formula E, with increased online discussions and excitement building for the Gen4 era. Sam Smith and Andrew van de Burgt agree, emphasizing the need for a close title fight and anticipation for Gen4.
Georgia Williams highlights the importance of growing the series, especially among racing enthusiasts, and suggests that Formula E should focus on unique ideas and existing projects like the Driver documentary series to attract more fans. Albert Lau sums it up by saying a successful season will be defined by sensational wheel-to-wheel racing and a tightly contested championship battle, with the outcome decided in the final race in London.
