Current Formula E world champion Nick Cassidy has stressed the importance of preserving the unique strategic elements of the series, despite recent criticism following the opening rounds of the 2025/26 season. The Citroën driver, who has excelled in energy management throughout his career, believes that the championship’s distinctive approach is central to its identity and appeal.
Formula E races are often criticised for their complexity. Drivers must balance energy conservation, Attack Mode strategies, and safety car interruptions, all of which can dramatically influence the outcome. Following the Mexico City E-Prix in January, outspoken driver Dan Ticktum claimed: “You may as well not qualify, chill at the back, wait for everyone to crash into each other, save energy and come through from there.” His remark came after Kiro team-mate Pepe Martí staged a late-race recovery from the back of the grid to finish seventh, while Ticktum himself suffered a second consecutive race retirement.
Cassidy, however, sees these features as part of Formula E’s allure. At the Mexico City round, he won from 13th on the grid by managing his energy efficiently, and in Brazil, he climbed from 15th to third. “It’s super important to look at the positives that we have in the championship right now,” Cassidy said. “The qualifying gaps are minimal, the competition is fierce, and a lot of teams are in the fight — that’s essential for the series. Yes, sometimes there’s a lot of saving, but you don’t find a boring Formula E race. People are excited to tune in.”
Cassidy is particularly eager for these elements to remain intact with the introduction of the Gen4 cars, which are set to feature over 800bhp, increased downforce, and significantly larger energy storage. “As soon as you get too much performance and not enough strategy, the championship risks looking like another single-seater series,” he warned. “Keeping the energy management and tactical aspects will make Gen4 an amazing step forward.”
Testing for Gen4 is already underway, and Cassidy, in his sixth Formula E season, is enthused by the evolution. “From a driver’s perspective, it’s really special. The cars are bigger, more powerful, and more downforce, which is impressive. A lot will depend on the tracks and race formats, but either way, it’s going to enhance the championship.”
Cassidy’s 2025/26 Highlights
| Round | Location | Starting Position | Finishing Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | São Paulo | 15th | 3rd | Strong energy management |
| 2 | Mexico City | 13th | 1st | Mastered Attack Mode strategy |
| 3 | Brazil | 15th | 3rd | Consistent climb through field |
Cassidy’s perspective underscores a broader debate within Formula E about maintaining its unique character while embracing the increased performance and spectacle of Gen4. For the New Zealander, preserving the tactical depth of energy management is essential to ensuring that the series remains distinct from traditional single-seater championships.
