Coulthard Left ‘Speechless’ by Formula E GEN4 Car’s Monaco Blast

David Coulthard has never been short of superlatives in a racing career that took him to 13 Formula 1 wins and two Monaco Grand Prix victories. But even by his standards, what he experienced in Monte Carlo this weekend left him briefly speechless.

The former F1 star took to the streets of Monaco in Formula E’s new GEN4 machine, a car still a season away from competition but already making a powerful impression on one of the most experienced voices in motorsport.

Why it matters:

The GEN4 era represents a step change for Formula E, and Coulthard’s endorsement – from a driver who has sampled everything from turbo-era monsters to hybrid precision – carries weight. His reaction signals that the all-electric championship may be on the verge of redefining performance expectations, not just for EVs but for racing cars in general.

The Details:

• Blistering acceleration: Coulthard described the GEN4 as having “the most acceleration I've ever experienced around Monaco” – a track where he won twice in F1.
• All-wheel drive revolution: The new car features all-wheel drive, allowing instant power delivery on every exit. “Every exit is acceleration like you've never experienced,” Coulthard said.
• Performance specs: Under 1,000 kg with over 800 bhp, the GEN4 is a significant upgrade over the already rapid GEN3 Evo.
• ‘Hyperdrive from Star Wars’: Coulthard’s first run through Monaco’s tunnel felt like science fiction. “I've been through there thousands of times but never like that.”
• High-profile audience: Current F1 stars Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriele Bortoleto watched the demonstration, underlining cross-series interest.

What’s next:

The GEN4 is set to debut in competition for the 2027 Formula E season. Coulthard’s demo, paired with Nyck de Vries’s first win in four years for Mahindra, has already built momentum. If the early reactions hold, Formula E’s next chapter could be its most compelling yet.