Formula E - São Paulo E-Prix (Round 1)

The São Paulo E-Prix takes place at the São Paulo Street Circuit, featuring the latest generation of electric racing technology in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This event, officially titled the Google Cloud São Paulo E-Prix, brings formula-e competition to Brazil with 22 drivers from 11 teams racing the advanced GEN3 Evo cars around the Anhembi Sambadrome circuit.

São Paulo Street Circuit Details

The São Paulo Street Circuit uses the Anhembi Sambadrome in the Santana district as its foundation. This venue transforms into a racing circuit that measures 2.933 km (1.822 miles) in length and includes 11 turns. The circuit previously hosted IndyCar races between 2010 and 2013.

The track layout features three long, fast straights connected by technical chicanes, sweeping corners, and tight right-handers. This configuration promotes overtaking opportunities and slipstreaming battles. The main straight provides the longest flat-out section on the formula-e calendar. Key overtaking zones appear at Turn 1, the approach to Turn 4, and throughout the final sector. The Attack Mode activation zone sits off the racing line in a challenging section of the circuit.

Drivers must manage energy consumption and battery temperature carefully throughout the race. The circuit demands precision while offering multiple opportunities for position changes. The track's technical nature requires both speed and strategic thinking.

Teams and Drivers

The 2025 formula-e season features 11 teams and 22 drivers competing at the São Paulo E-Prix. Oliver Rowland carries the number 1 plate for Nissan as the reigning world champion.

Confirmed Team Lineups

Andretti Formula E fields Jake Dennis and Nico Müller. Brazilian driver Felipe Drugovich makes his full-season debut on home soil. Citroën Racing enters formula-e for the first time with Jean-Éric Vergne and Nick Cassidy. Cupra Kiro runs Pepe Martí and Dan Ticktum.

DS Penske competes with Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard. Envision Racing features Sébastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson, with Eriksson making his full-season debut. Jaguar TCS Racing fields Mitch Evans and António Félix da Costa.

Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team enters Lucas di Grassi alongside rookie Zane Maloney. Mahindra Racing runs Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara. Maserati MSG Racing competes with Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes. The Nissan Formula E Team fields Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. Porsche Formula E Team runs Pascal Wehrlein and António Félix da Costa.

Maximilian Günther reaches his 100th formula-e race at this São Paulo E-Prix.

GEN3 Evo Technical Specifications

The 2025 season introduces the GEN3 Evo car across all formula-e races. This car delivers significant performance improvements over previous generations.

Performance Capabilities

The GEN3 Evo accelerates from 0-100 kph (0-60 mph) in 1.82 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater race car. This represents 30% quicker acceleration than current F1 cars. The car reaches a top speed of 200 mph.

The GEN3 Evo provides approximately 2% better performance than its predecessor. This translates to roughly two seconds faster qualifying laps on comparable circuits. The car weighs 760 kg without the driver and 840 kg with the driver onboard.

Power and Drive Systems

The car produces 350 kW (469 hp) during qualifying and attack mode, and 300 kW (402 hp) in race mode. Formula-e introduces all-wheel drive for the first time, available during qualifying duels, race starts, and ATTACK MODE. This system improves acceleration and control.

The electric motor operates at over 95% efficiency, far exceeding internal combustion engines. Regenerative braking generates nearly 50% of the energy needed for a race through 600 kW regenerative braking. The front axle's Front Powertrain Kit contributes 250 kW of regeneration, adding to the 350 kW from the rear axle.

Design and Materials

The car features a new body kit with enhanced aerodynamics. The redesigned front wing includes an upper element and more covered front wheels to reduce drag and improve durability. These changes promote closer wheel-to-wheel racing.

Hankook iON tires provide 5-10% more grip than previous versions. These all-weather tires contain 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The GEN3 Evo qualifies as the world's first net-zero carbon race car in a net-zero carbon sport.

Event History and Local Significance

São Paulo first hosted an E-Prix in 2023, following discussions dating back to 2017. The agreement between São Paulo City Hall and Formula E was signed on April 30, 2022, for a 5-year term with extension options. This marks the fourth time São Paulo hosts an E-Prix and the first time Brazil hosts a formula-e season opener.

The city holds special significance for motorsport as the birthplace of Ayrton Senna and Lucas di Grassi. The Anhembi Sambadrome can accommodate over 100,000 people and provides a unique urban racing experience. The venue's history with major racing series adds to its credentials as a formula-e location.

Community and Cultural Connections

A mural dedicated to Felipe Drugovich appears in the Beco do Batman street art district, honoring his home race debut with Andretti. São Paulo airport in Guarulhos serves as the official airport for the E-Prix, where Drugovich displayed the GEN3 Evo car on a runway.

The event supports Brazil's commitment to energy transition and sustainable mobility. Formula E's Better Futures Fund provides €25,000 to Associacao PiPA, a local charity focused on educational equity, digital inclusion, and environmental awareness. This partnership demonstrates formula-e's community engagement beyond racing.

What to Expect at São Paulo

The São Paulo E-Prix offers 30 laps of electric racing on a circuit that favors both strategy and overtaking. The combination of long straights and technical sections creates varied racing conditions. Energy management plays a critical role as drivers balance speed with efficiency.

The attack mode zones and all-wheel drive capabilities of the GEN3 Evo cars add strategic layers to the race. Teams must optimize battery temperature and regenerative braking throughout the event. The São Paulo Street Circuit provides opportunities for dramatic position changes and close racing.

Formula-e competition at this level showcases sustainable racing technology and high-performance electric vehicles. The São Paulo E-Prix combines sporting competition with technological advancement in electric mobility.