Formula E: The two all‑new race modes that should make Formula E more appealing from 2027

Formula E has confirmed a sweeping set of changes to its sporting regulations for the 2026–27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, introducing a transformative race‑weekend structure designed to showcase the full capabilities of the incoming GEN4 car.

The overhaul marks one of the most significant evolutions in the championship’s history, reshaping how double‑header events unfold and redefining the competitive landscape as Formula E enters a new era of speed, technology and sustainability.

Beginning next season, all double‑header weekends will feature a dual‑race format: the traditional E‑Prix, a 45‑minute strategic contest, and the all‑new E‑PrixUnleashed, a 30‑minute sprint designed to unleash the GEN4 car’s full performance potential.

The two races will differ in duration, aerodynamic configuration and energy‑management rules. The E‑PrixUnleashed will run with a high‑downforce aero package, a shorter 6‑minute ATTACK MODE, and no PIT BOOST, creating a flat‑out sprint with minimal strategic interference.

The classic E‑Prix will retain its tactical depth through low‑downforce aero, an extended 8‑minute ATTACK MODE, and a mandatory PIT BOOST, ensuring that energy management, racecraft and strategic execution remain central to the championship’s identity. Together, the formats are designed to offer fans a blend of pure performance and strategic complexity across a single weekend.

These regulatory changes are built around the debut of the GEN4 car, the most powerful, advanced and sustainable machine ever developed for the championship.

Delivering 600 kW of power — equivalent to more than 815 horsepower — and featuring active all‑wheel drive, an active differential, dual aerodynamic configurations and next‑generation regenerative braking, GEN4 represents a step change in electric‑vehicle performance.

It is engineered for closer racing, more overtaking opportunities and a higher level of driver skill, while also setting a new benchmark for sustainability.

Every component of the GEN4 car is built from recyclable or reusable materials, with ethically sourced elements and a circular‑design philosophy that reinforces Formula E’s position as the world’s most environmentally responsible motorsport.

The new era also welcomes a refreshed manufacturer lineup, headlined by Opel’s official entry into the championship. The German marque joins an already competitive roster that includes Jaguar, Nissan, Citroën, Lola Cars, Mahindra and Porsche — the latter powering two factory teams and a customer outfit.

All manufacturers will use the GEN4 platform to accelerate high‑performance EV development and push the boundaries of road‑relevant electric‑vehicle technology.

Formula E leadership has hailed the new regulations as a defining moment for the championship. Alberto Longo, Co‑Founder & Chief Championship Officer, emphasised the scale and ambition of the upcoming season, stating: “We are incredibly proud to unveil our biggest and most ambitious calendar to date.

"Expanding to 21 races across 13 iconic cities is a huge milestone, and welcoming world‑renowned tracks like COTA in Austin, Zandvoort, and Brands Hatch provides the ultimate stage to showcase our new GEN4 era. Every stop on this calendar has been chosen to deliver maximum sporting drama.

"Launching the season with our first-ever opener under the lights in Jeddah to showcase the speed of these GEN4 cars sets a spectacular tone, while grouping our races into distinct continental clusters ensures we do so as sustainably as possible. The tracks are faster, the competition is fiercer, and we cannot wait to get this historic season underway.”

From the FIA’s perspective, the regulatory framework has been carefully engineered to match the GEN4 car’s capabilities and ensure the sporting product evolves in parallel with the technology.

Marek Nawarecki, Director of the FIA Circuit Sport Department, highlighted the collaborative process behind the new rules, noting: “We are delighted to support the expansion of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar into key markets such as the USA, as well as on circuits that we believe will truly showcase the dynamic capabilities of the new GEN4 car.

"This is also a particularly significant moment for us, as we are now able to reveal the framework of the GEN4 sporting regulations. Working in partnership with Formula E and in close consultation with the competitors, we have adapted these regulations to match and highlight the incredible performance of the GEN4, and we believe the result will achieve exactly that.”