Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has fired a provocative shot across the bow of Formula 1 by personally inviting Max Verstappen to this weekend's Jeddah E-Prix. Dodds' move comes swiftly after the Red Bull driver unleashed a scathing critique of the 2026 Formula 1 car concept, branding it 'Formula E on steroids' during Bahrain testing.

Verstappen's comments, focusing on the new machinery's heavy reliance on energy management systems, struck a nerve within Formula E circles, prompting Dodds to extend the invitation as a direct counter-punch. This isn't just a race invite; it's a strategic branding play aimed squarely at undermining F1's new direction and highlighting Formula E's own technological philosophy. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds is turning Verstappen's criticism into a promotional opportunity for the Saudi Arabian event.