The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will begin a new chapter in electric motorsport when the revolutionary GEN4 era makes its competitive debut under the lights of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in December. Formula E and the FIA have confirmed the provisional calendar for the 2026-27 season, featuring a record 21 races across 13 cities worldwide. For the first time in the championship’s history, Saudi Arabia will host the opening rounds, with a doubleheader on Dec. 18 and 19 in Jeddah.
GEN4 Car and New Race Format
The opener will mark the debut of Formula E’s new GEN4 car, the most powerful and technologically advanced machine ever introduced in the all-electric series. The championship will also unveil a new race format designed to showcase the car’s enhanced performance capabilities. The return of Formula E to Saudi Arabia reinforces the Kingdom’s growing position as a major hub for international motorsport and sporting events. Set against the backdrop of the Red Sea, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — widely regarded as one of the fastest street circuits in the world — is expected to provide a dramatic stage for the start of the championship.
Official Reactions
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Co., said hosting the season opener represented another milestone for Saudi Arabia’s motorsport ambitions. “We are delighted to welcome the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship back to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which will host the opening two rounds of the season for the first time,” he said. “Since its debut in Saudi Arabia, Formula E has become an important part of the Kingdom’s motorsport journey, bringing together innovation, sustainability and world-class racing.” He added that the introduction of the GEN4 car reflected the rapid evolution of electric racing technology and performance. “Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a leading destination for major international sporting events, welcoming some of the world’s top championships and showcasing the Kingdom’s ambition, capabilities and passion for sport,” he said.
Carlo Boutagy, founder and chief executive of CBX, described the event as a significant moment for both Formula E and Saudi Arabia. “Bringing the opening race of the Formula E season to Jeddah is a proud moment for CBX,” he said. “The event will not only welcome the world’s leading electric racing championship back to Saudi Arabia, but will also mark the first competitive outing of the groundbreaking GEN4 car.”
Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo said the championship was eager to return to Saudi Arabia following Jeddah’s successful debut on the calendar. “Following an incredible debut last year, we are thrilled to be returning to Jeddah and bringing the opening race weekend of our 2026-27 season to the Kingdom,” Longo said. “The Jeddah Corniche Circuit provides unmatched high-speed street racing, and I have no doubt will provide a gripping season opener for the racing debut of both the GEN4 cars and the new E-Prix Unleashed race format.”
2026-27 Calendar and New Additions
The 2026-27 campaign will be Formula E’s largest to date. Following the opening rounds in Jeddah, the championship will travel to Mexico City, Austin, Miami and Sao Paulo before moving to Asia and Europe. New additions include races at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin and Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands, while the London E-Prix will relocate to the historic Brands Hatch circuit. The season will conclude with back-to-back doubleheaders in Shanghai and Tokyo in July 2027.
E-Prix Unleashed Format
A key feature of the new era will be the introduction of E-Prix Unleashed, a shorter race format alongside traditional E-Prix events during doubleheader weekends. The format is intended to highlight the full performance potential of the GEN4 car while complementing the strategic elements of Formula E’s established race structure.
GEN4 Technical Specifications
The GEN4 machine represents a significant leap forward in electric racing technology. It will deliver up to 600 kilowatt-hours of power — more than 815 horsepower — and feature active all-wheel drive throughout every phase of the race. Formula E says the car has been designed to provide closer wheel-to-wheel racing while showcasing technologies with direct relevance to future road-going electric vehicles. Sustainability remains central to the championship’s philosophy, with Formula E describing GEN4 as the most environmentally responsible race car in motorsport. The vehicle incorporates fully recyclable or reusable materials and has been developed with a focus on ethical sourcing and reduced environmental impact.
New Manufacturers on the Grid
The new era will also welcome German manufacturer Opel to the championship grid, joining Jaguar, Nissan, Citroen, Lola Cars, Mahindra and Porsche.
