Fortescue Unveils Electric Formula E Car
Andrew Forrest launched the Fortescue Zero GEN4 and criticized Formula One's noise, smoke and smell.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Motorsports
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Andrew Forrest unveiled the Fortescue Zero GEN4, a fully electric racing car, at a launch event over a weekend. Fortescue is the first Australian-owned and entered team in the Formula E series.
Why it matters
The entry gives Australia its first homegrown team in the all-electric racing series. Forrest's criticism of Formula One frames the team's move as a rejection of combustion motorsport.
Forrest's estimated net worth is around $20bn, funding the team's entry into Formula E. The GEN4 car's technical performance figures were not provided in the source.
The players
Andrew Forrest
Australian mining billionaire and founder of Fortescue, known for his climate advocacy and investments in green energy.
Fortescue
Australian mining and green energy company that purchased the DS Penske team to enter Formula E.
The details
Forrest addressed the crowd at the car's launch. Dan Ticktum and Taylor Barnard will drive the Fortescue Zero car, with Jim Wright as team principal. Fortescue also purchased the DS Penske racing team to enter the series.
Timeline
Late December 2026: next Formula E season begins with the opening race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
2027: the Formula E season runs into this year.
Roadmap
Fortescue's entry places an Australian team inside the all-electric Formula E championship, which has been building its calendar since its inaugural season. Formula E is also exploring potential venues in Australia and New Zealand, which would follow from the team's presence.
Fans following Formula E will see a new Australian-owned team on the grid when the season opens in Jeddah. The team's drivers, Dan Ticktum and Taylor Barnard, will be the ones to watch in the first races.
The takeaway
Fortescue's move shows that electric racing is attracting new national teams and owners. Watch for whether Formula E confirms an Australian or New Zealand race, which would bring the series closer to home for regional fans.
What happens next
The GEN4 cars will race competitively for the first time at the opening Formula E race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when the next season begins in late December.
Further reading
For more on electric racing, see the Motorsports section.
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