Formula E to launch GEN4 era with season-opening doubleheader in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: 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.

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.

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