Formula E - London ePrix I

The London ePrix I brings the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to ExCeL London for the 2026 season finale. This double-header race weekend features two races at one of the most distinctive circuits in electric motorsport. The London ePrix I serves as the championship's closing event, where the Formula E World Champion is often crowned. Fans can witness electric single-seater racing on a unique indoor-outdoor track that combines the smooth floors of an exhibition centre with outdoor sections around Royal Victoria Docks.

Circuit Layout and Location

The London ePrix takes place at ExCeL London in East London, United Kingdom. The venue sits next to London City Airport and offers excellent transport links via the Docklands Light Railway. The circuit measures 2.09 km (1.30 miles) and includes 20 turns. This formula-e track stands out as the first indoor-outdoor circuit in the championship's history.

Drivers navigate through the exhibition centre before emerging outdoors to complete sections around the docks. The track surface changes from smooth indoor flooring to abrasive outdoor asphalt. The lighting conditions shift as cars move between indoor and outdoor sections. The pit lane is located inside the exhibition centre. The circuit holds an FIA Grade 3E rating.

Race Format and Strategy

The London ePrix I weekend includes multiple Free Practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and two main races. The qualifying format features a Group Stage followed by Duels. Two strategic elements add layers to the racing: Attack Mode and PIT BOOST.

Attack Mode provides drivers with extra power during the race. PIT BOOST requires each driver to make a mandatory 30-second pit stop for an ultra-fast 600kW charge. This charge delivers a 10% energy boost (3.85kWh) to help drivers complete the race.

GEN3 Evo Cars

The 2026 London ePrix features the GEN3 Evo car in its final season of competition. These electric single-seaters deliver impressive performance:

Performance Specifications

The GEN3 Evo accelerates from 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds (0-100kph in 1.86s). This makes it the quickest accelerating FIA single-seater, 30% faster than current F1 cars in this measure. The cars reach a top speed of approximately 200 mph (322 km/h). Maximum power output reaches 350 kW (around 469 horsepower).

The GEN3 Evo offers about a 2% performance gain over the previous GEN3 car. This translates to roughly a 2-second faster qualifying lap on comparable tracks. All-wheel drive is available during qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode activation.

Energy Efficiency

Regenerative braking capacity reaches 600kW. The cars can generate nearly 50% of the energy needed for a race during the race itself. Hankook provides 18-inch treaded all-weather iON tires made from 35% recycled and sustainable materials.

Teams and Drivers

The 2026 London ePrix I welcomes a competitive grid of teams and drivers for Season 12:

Andretti Formula E fields Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich. Citroën Racing runs Jean-Éric Vergne and Nick Cassidy. CUPRA KIRO enters Josep Maria Martí and Dan Ticktum. DS Penske competes with Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard. Envision Racing brings Sébastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson.

Jaguar TCS Racing fields Mitch Evans and António Félix Da Costa. Lola Yamaha Abt Formula E Team runs Lucas Di Grassi and Zane Maloney. Mahindra Racing enters Nyck De Vries and Edoardo Mortara. Nissan Formula E Team competes with Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. Porsche Formula E Team fields Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller.

History of Formula E in London

Formula E first brought electric racing to London during the 2014-15 season at Battersea Park Street Circuit. That 2.922 km (1.816 mi) track with 17 turns hosted races for two seasons before the championship sought a new venue.

The ExCeL London circuit was originally planned for the 2019-20 season. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed its debut when ExCeL was repurposed as an NHS Nightingale Hospital. The indoor-outdoor circuit finally opened for the 2020-21 season. The London ePrix now operates under a multi-year agreement.

British drivers have performed well at London. Jake Dennis holds the record for most wins (two) and podiums (five) at this venue. Four different British drivers have won at the London ePrix.

What Makes This Event Special

The London ePrix I stands as the only formula-e race with an indoor-outdoor layout. Drivers face varying grip levels as they transition between surfaces. Elevation changes add another challenge. The lighting shift from indoor to outdoor sections requires quick adaptation.

The position as season finale means championship titles are often decided at London. The 2026 edition promises close racing and strategic battles. Formula E operates as the first net-zero carbon sport. The championship uses net-zero carbon race cars and emphasizes sustainable practices throughout its supply chain and battery development.

The venue location brings motorsport to an urban setting. ExCeL London sits within a major business and transport hub. Public transport access is excellent. An urban cable car even connects the venue to other parts of London. This race offers fans an opportunity to witness the latest in electric racing technology at a truly unique circuit.