Formula E Relief Grows as Key Request Nears Approval

Formula E drivers are welcoming a big change coming to the series with the arrival of Gen4 cars in late 2026. For years, competing in wet conditions has been a challenge, especially since the Gen3 Evo car came onto the grid.

The current all-weather tyres, developed by Hankook, have not performed well in heavy rain. Many drivers have shared their frustration.

Heating the tyres in the wet has been tough, and grip has dropped to its lowest point since the start of Gen3. Mitch Evans, who races for Jaguar, spoke about these issues as early as the São Paulo E-Prix.

Evans said the new tyre felt like a shock in the wet, offering speed in dry conditions but struggling when the rain comes down. He doubted races could be completed if the weather was very rainy and pointed out that the tyre is closer to a dry compound right now.

Veteran driver Sam Bird also highlighted the problems. He hoped races would stay dry this season to avoid the difficulties that show up on wet tracks.

With new tyre compounds and structures, many drivers found the wet to be even trickier than before. Nyck de Vries, the 2021–22 champion, described racing in the wet as just “surviving.”

At Monaco, all four semi-finalists left the circuit in wet weather, underlining how little grip was available. Teams and drivers have consistently requested a solution.

Their calls are being answered. With Gen4, Formula E will introduce two tyre choices from Bridgestone: one for dry and light rain, and a new ‘typhoon’ tyre for the kind of extreme wet conditions seen in Monaco, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

The change follows years of feedback from the paddock. Maximilian Günther, this year’s Shanghai race winner, called the new tyre a relief.

He believes it’s the right step, especially as the next generation of cars will be a major leap forward in performance, including a four-wheel drive layout. Günther looks forward to showing the capabilities of electric racing under all weather conditions.

The new extreme wet tyre will allow the cars to reach more of their potential while improving safety on slippery circuits. Drivers have often had to “tiptoe” around wet tracks, using all their skill just to keep the car on course.

The new ‘typhoon’ compound should level the playing field when the rain hits, providing confidence and a better racing experience. As of June 2025, the news of the upcoming tyre was met with relief by nearly everyone on the grid.

Formula E continues to push technology forward, aiming to provide fairer and safer racing regardless of the conditions. The change follows several wet races that underlined the urgent need for dedicated tyres, including dramatic moments where whole groups of drivers lost control.

With the new tyres, drivers hope to change that narrative. The Gen4 upgrade is timed for the end of 2026, giving teams and Bridgestone a clear development window.

Fans can look forward to racing that showcases not only the speed and efficiency of electric cars but also their versatility when the weather doesn’t cooperate. This step marks a significant milestone for Formula E and the teams who have worked hard to bring these changes about.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.