Ex-Red Bull F1 driver Kvyat eyes Formula E seat with Gen4 arrival

Former Red Bull Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat is actively exploring a move to Formula E, citing the upcoming, more downforce-focused Gen4 car as a key motivator. Despite maintaining his primary role as a Lamborghini factory driver in Super GT, the 31-year-old Russian has kept a foot in the Formula E paddock through multiple tests and remains open to the right opportunity for a racing return.

Why it matters:

Kvyat represents a growing trend of experienced drivers from top-tier motorsport series viewing Formula E as a viable and technically compelling career path. His sustained interest, particularly aligned with a major technical regulation shift to Gen4, underscores the championship's increasing credibility and appeal as a destination for elite driving talent, not just a fallback option.

The details:

• Kvyat has been a Formula E paddock regular for years, completing rookie tests and practice sessions for teams like NIO 333 Racing and DS Penske as recently as last month in Madrid.
• He identifies the Gen4 car's increased downforce as a significant factor in his interest, suggesting it aligns more closely with the driving experience of traditional single-seaters.
• For 2026, his main focus remains his Lamborghini factory commitment, racing in Japan's Super GT series, which he calls his "main job."
• While he has built a strong relationship with Stellantis (the parent company of DS Automobiles), there are currently no concrete plans for him to test their Gen4 machinery.
• Kvyat confirms he has had conversations with various figures in the Formula E paddock but characterizes them as preliminary talks, stating, "people talk, and I talk with people, and that’s normal."

What's next:

A full-time Formula E seat for Kvyat in the Gen4 era remains a long shot, dependent on a specific opportunity materializing. His immediate future is secured in GT racing, but he leaves the door firmly open for a Formula E switch. His continued presence and expressed interest mean he will likely remain on the shortlist for teams considering experienced drivers for the 2026 season and beyond, especially if his testing performances have impressed.