Story perspectives

Saudi Jeddah Opens 2026-27 Formula E Season with GEN4 Power

6/23/2026

Summary

Saudi Hosts

Saudi Arabia will host the double-header in Jeddah on 18 & 19 December 2026, launching the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s 21-race 2026-27 calendar with GEN4 cars.
Austin, Texas will host a Formula E round on 6 February 2027, while Brands Hatch and Zandvoort will hold double-headers in May and June 2027.
Eight double-header weekends will each include a 30-minute “E-Prix Unleashed” sprint.
Opel joins the grid and the GEN4 car delivers 600 kW (over 815 hp) with all-wheel drive.

Summary

Formula E Moves

Brands Hatch was selected because the ExCeL centre cannot accommodate the larger Gen4 car.
The season will move to permanent circuits, with Brands Hatch, Zandvoort and COTA debuting for Gen4.
Dodds says proximity to major cities matters, noting Brands Hatch is 30 minutes from London and Zandvoort 30 minutes from Amsterdam.
Jonathan Palmer called the move a landmark that will broaden Formula E’s appeal to traditional fans.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 2012 by Alejandro Agag, Formula E launched its inaugural FIA-sanctioned season in 2014 with the first ePrix on 13 September in Beijing, where 42 cars were shipped for the race. After years of city-centre events, the 2026-27 calendar moves to permanent circuits such as Brands Hatch and Zandvoort, continuing the series’ aim to grow electric-vehicle interest.

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Saudi Hosts

Saudi Arabia will host the double-header in Jeddah on 18 & 19 December 2026, launching the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s 21-race 2026-27 calendar with GEN4 cars.
Austin, Texas will host a Formula E round on 6 February 2027, while Brands Hatch and Zandvoort will hold double-headers in May and June 2027.
Eight double-header weekends will each include a 30-minute “E-Prix Unleashed” sprint.
Opel joins the grid and the GEN4 car delivers 600 kW (over 815 hp) with all-wheel drive.

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