Dual Racing Era
Formula E Launches Gen4 Era with Dual-Race Format, Expanded 21-Race Global Calendar
Key Points
Eight unleash sprint events will be staged across eight double-header weekends in Jeddah, Monaco, Berlin, Zandvoort, Brands Hatch, Jarama, Shanghai and Tokyo.
The E-PrixUnleashed sprint is a 30-minute race using the high-downforce configuration, with the Attack Mode window condensed to 6 minutes to boost wheel-to-wheel action.
The traditional E-Prix will be a 45-minute race with a low-downforce setup, an 8-minute Attack Mode window, and a mandatory Pit Boost stop.
On double-header weekends, Free Practice is extended to 45 minutes with two sessions, qualifying retains the Duels format, and two distinct race formats will be used, creating two tactical disciplines per round.
Gen4 promises dramatic performance gains: top speeds above 335 kph, 0-100 km/h in 1.8 seconds, 0-200 in 4.4 seconds, about 50% more power in race mode, and roughly 10 seconds faster per lap in qualifying mode.
Formula E is overhauling its racing format for the Gen4 era, introducing a new sprint race called the E-Prix Unleashed alongside the traditional 45-minute E-Prix. Formula E announced a record 21-race calendar across 13 cities, with eight double-header weekends where fans will see two completely different types of racing back-to-back.
The Gen4 car backs up the bold branding with raw numbers. It hits 100 km/h in 1.8 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 4.4 seconds, and tops out above 335 kph — about 13 kph faster than the outgoing Gen3. Race power nearly doubles, jumping to roughly 600kW, or about 800 bhp. Lap times drop by around 10 seconds in qualifying mode, Motorsport Technology reported.
Two Races, Two Completely Different Strategies Each Weekend
The E-Prix Unleashed sprint runs for 30 minutes using a high-downforce setup. The Attack Mode window — a power boost drivers must activate by leaving the racing line — is condensed to just 6 minutes. The goal is constant wheel-to-wheel action with minimal lifting and coasting. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said the series is proving "the compromise is over" between performance and sustainability.
The traditional E-Prix runs 45 minutes with a low-downforce setup and an 8-minute Attack Mode window. It also adds a mandatory Pit Boost stop — a fast-charging pause during the race. Freedom 96.9 reported that analysts see this stop as a potential wild card. If the 600kW charging system fails mid-race, drivers could face a high-profile retirement. Team principal Ian James of McLaren Racing FE called it "a massive engineering challenge."
Brands Hatch and Zandvoort Replace Formula E's Street Circuit Roots
Eight double-header rounds will take place in Jeddah, Monaco, Berlin, Zandvoort, Brands Hatch, Jarama, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Brands Hatch replaces London's ExCeL centre, which cannot fit the larger Gen4 car, Read Motorsport reported. Austin's Circuit of the Americas also joins the calendar, marking Formula E's first U.S. stop in years.
The move to permanent circuits like Zandvoort and COTA marks a break from Formula E's street-circuit identity. Leading Formula E journalist Sam Smith noted the Gen4 cars may simply be too fast for tight, bumpy city layouts. The season opens in Jeddah in December 2026 and closes in Tokyo in July 2027, Motorsport Technology reported.
Gen4 Nearly Doubles Power Over the Outgoing Car
The performance leap from Gen3 to Gen4 is steep. Race power grows from roughly 300-350kW to approximately 600kW. The 0-100 km/h time improves from 2.4 seconds to 1.8 seconds. Top speed climbs from 322 kph to over 335 kph. Co-founder Alberto Longo described the dual-format weekend as offering fans "two different sports in one weekend: a flat-out sprint and a tactical chess match."
The Pit Boost fast-charging technology is drawing attention beyond motorsport. Automotive partners including Nissan and Stellantis are watching the 600kW charging system closely for potential use in consumer ultra-fast charging stations, Motorsport Technology noted. The expanded 21-race calendar is expected to grow series revenue by an estimated 25-30% through new broadcasting deals and sponsorships.
Smaller Teams Face Budget Squeeze Under the New Format
Running two different aero configurations in one weekend adds serious cost. The Unleashed sprint needs a high-downforce kit. The traditional E-Prix needs a low-downforce setup. Teams must optimize both builds, plus two separate energy strategies, within 24 hours. Financial analysts warn this "stress test" could squeeze smaller outfits like ABT Cupra and Mahindra, Read Motorsport reported.
On double-header weekends, Free Practice is extended to 45 minutes with two separate sessions to help teams manage the extra workload. Qualifying keeps the head-to-head Duels format. Formula E framed the entire package as unlocking "two tactical disciplines per round" — a signal that the series is pushing hard to redefine what electric racing can look like.
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