Formula E - Jeddah E-Prix (Round 4)

The Jeddah E-Prix (Round 4) brings formula-e racing to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where drivers compete under the lights along the Red Sea coastline. This race represents the fourth round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and forms part of a double-header weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event showcases the advanced GEN3 Evo race car on one of motorsport's fastest street circuits.

Race Format and Competition

The Jeddah E-Prix (Round 4) follows the standard formula-e race weekend structure with Free Practice sessions, Qualifying, and the main race. The event introduces the Pit Boost feature, which allows teams to gain an additional 10% energy through a rapid 600kW charge in the pit lane. This strategic element requires a 30-second boost with a minimum stationary time of 34 seconds, adding a tactical dimension to race strategy. Teams must choose between using Pit Boost or managing their energy through traditional Attack Mode activations.

Jeddah Corniche Circuit Details

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit provides a unique challenge for formula-e drivers. This street circuit measures 3.001 km in length and features 19 turns. The track begins with a long start/finish straight before entering a technical first sector that includes a chicane and hairpin. Drivers accelerate through Turns 5, 6, and 7, then navigate a chicane on the back straight. The circuit features the long, high-speed sweeping Turn 12, followed by a tight hairpin at Turn 13 and a pair of chicanes that complete the lap.

The formula-e layout uses a shortened version of the Formula 1 circuit, incorporating a hairpin that connects Turn 3 to Turn 22 of the F1 track. Four additional chicanes on the straights help manage speeds while maintaining the circuit's flowing character. The track sits alongside the Red Sea in Jeddah and holds an FIA Grade 3E license for Formula E events.

Teams and Drivers

Ten teams compete in the formula-e championship with twenty drivers on the grid. Andretti Formula E fields Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich. Envision Racing enters Sébastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson. Citroën Racing competes with Nick Cassidy and Jean-Éric Vergne. CUPRA KIRO runs Dan Ticktum and Josep Maria Martí.

Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team races with Lucas di Grassi and Zane Maloney. Mahindra Racing fields Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara. Nissan Formula E Team enters Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. Porsche Formula E Team competes with Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller. DS PENSKE runs Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard. Jaguar TCS Racing fields Mitch Evans and António Félix da Costa.

GEN3 Evo Technology

The Jeddah E-Prix (Round 4) features the GEN3 Evo race car, which accelerates from 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds. This performance represents a 30% improvement over current F1 cars in acceleration. The car reaches a top speed of 200 mph and generates nearly 50% of its race energy through 600kW regenerative braking.

Technical Specifications

The GEN3 Evo includes an aggressive body kit that improves aerodynamics and promotes closer racing. All-wheel drive activates during qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode, optimizing acceleration and control. The electric motor operates at over 95% efficiency, far exceeding traditional combustion engines.

Hankook iON tires provide 5-10% more grip than previous generations and contain 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The car qualifies as the world's first net-zero carbon race car, with battery cell minerals sourced through ethical and sustainable mining standards.

Formula E History in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has hosted formula-e racing since Season 5. The championship raced in Diriyah six times from 2018 to 2024 before moving to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The Jeddah venue first hosted formula-e during the previous season, making this the second time the championship races at this specific circuit.

Night Racing on a Street Circuit

The Jeddah E-Prix (Round 4) takes place under artificial lighting, creating a night race atmosphere along the Red Sea. The circuit ranks among the fastest and longest street circuits in motorsport. The combination of high speeds, technical sections, and the night race format creates distinct challenges for formula-e drivers and teams.

Jeddah serves as a cultural hub that blends traditional heritage with modern development. The city has established itself as a venue for international motorsport events. Beyond the racing action, the event includes musical performances and entertainment that complement the on-track competition.

Strategic Racing Elements

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit demands precision and rhythm from drivers. Energy management plays a critical role, with teams balancing the Pit Boost option against traditional Attack Mode strategies. The circuit's mix of high-speed sections and tight technical areas requires different setup approaches and driving styles.

The night conditions add another variable, affecting tire temperatures and visibility. Teams must optimize their race strategies to account for the circuit characteristics, energy requirements, and the Pit Boost opportunity. The fast nature of the track means small mistakes can have significant consequences, while overtaking opportunities exist in several areas of the circuit.