Formula E is set to take a significant step in its development during the 2026-27 season, adopting a calendar and performance level that increasingly resemble those of its more established counterpart, Formula 1®. This evolution marks a shift from the series’ original focus on tight street circuits and battery-limited cars to a broader, more diverse racing format with faster machinery.
The upcoming season will feature 21 races across a mixture of street circuits, traditional permanent tracks, and shortened versions of classic grand prix venues such as Brands Hatch, Circuit of The Americas (COTA), and Zandvoort. This expanded calendar reflects Formula E’s intention to diversify its race locations beyond urban settings, aligning more closely with the variety seen in Formula 1®.
Alongside the calendar changes, Formula E will introduce the Gen4 car, which delivers up to 600kW of power in attack mode, bringing its performance closer to Formula 1® levels. Plans for an even faster Gen5 car are already underway. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has described this progression as the series “growing up,” moving away from the earlier era of slower, battery-constrained cars that required tight, chicane-heavy circuits to manage energy consumption.
This evolution also includes the introduction of a new sprint race format called “E-Prix Unleashed” on double-header weekends. This shorter race is designed to showcase the full performance capabilities of the Gen4 car, contrasting with the traditional longer races that emphasize strategic battery management. The series is also expanding its presence in key markets such as the United States and China, mirroring Formula 1®’s recent global growth strategy.
Despite these convergences, Formula E and Formula 1® are expected to maintain distinct identities. While Formula 1® plans to return to V8 internal combustion engines, Formula E remains committed to fully electric racing. Dodds sees this divergence as a positive development, allowing each series to focus on its core technology and fan base: combustion engine racing for Formula 1® and electric racing for Formula E.
Formula E’s growth is evident in its expanding fanbase, now exceeding 400 million worldwide, along with rising revenues and increased television audiences. The series aims to sustain this momentum by delivering compelling racing and cars that approach the speed and excitement traditionally associated with Formula 1®.
The 2026-27 Formula E season represents a clear step towards maturity, combining a more varied race calendar with advanced electric car performance. This approach positions the series as a complementary yet distinct part of the global motorsport landscape, continuing to develop its own identity alongside Formula 1®.
