Formula E shifts to traditional circuits for GEN4 era calendar
The 2026–2027 season introduces double-header weekends and venues including Brands Hatch, COTA, and Zandvoort.
Formula E has unveiled its inaugural calendar for the GEN4 era, covering the 2026–2027 season. The schedule comprises 21 races across 13 cities, marking a strategic shift from the series' traditional focus on city-centre street circuits to include established traditional race tracks. Key new venues include Brands Hatch in Kent, Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas, and Zandvoort in the Netherlands. The season commences with a double-header in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 18–19 December 2026, and concludes in Japan in late July 2027.
The calendar introduces a new weekend format featuring double-header events: a 30-minute sprint race with high downforce on the first day, followed by a 45-minute e-Prix focusing on energy management on the second day. This structure aims to balance raw speed with the technical energy management challenges that define the championship.
Notably, the London venue has moved from the ExCel Arena to Brands Hatch, as the ExCel was deemed 'outgrown' by the new car's capabilities. COTA will utilise the shorter NASCAR configuration, while Brands Hatch will feature a unique layout distinct from its standard Indy or GP configurations. The series also returns to established locations such as Monaco, Berlin-Templehof, Shanghai, and Jarama.
Alberto Longo, Formula E cofounder and chief championship officer, stated that the expansion to 21 races represents a significant milestone. He emphasised that grouping races into distinct continental clusters ensures sustainability while providing a stage to showcase the increased performance of the GEN4 cars. The season opener in Jeddah will be held under lights to demonstrate the speed of the new machinery.
The 2027 North American leg includes races in Mexico on 16 January, COTA on 7 February, and Miami on 20 February. COTA marks the seventh US location for Formula E since 2015, joining Miami, Long Beach, Brooklyn, Portland, Homestead-Miami, and Hard Rock Stadium. The shift towards these venues reflects the technical evolution of the sport, as the GEN4 car is reported to be more powerful than some Formula 1 cars, albeit heavier and with less downforce.
