Formula E - London E-Prix (Round 16)

The London E-Prix (Round 16) brings formula-e racing to the ExCeL London Circuit, an innovative motorsport venue in the Royal Docks area. This race forms part of the season finale weekend for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with London hosting the final rounds of the championship. The event combines high-level electric racing with a festival atmosphere that includes live music, interactive fan zones, gaming areas, and local food offerings.

The ExCeL London Circuit

The ExCeL London Circuit holds the distinction of being the world's first and only indoor-outdoor motorsport track. The circuit measures approximately 2.09 kilometers in length and features around 20 turns. Drivers navigate a unique layout that takes them inside the ExCeL exhibition center before they emerge outdoors to loop around the exterior, passing Prince Regent Station and running along the quay side of the Royal Victoria Docks.

The track presents significant technical challenges for drivers. The surface changes from smooth indoor tarmac with high grip levels to a slippery metal strip at the exit point, then transitions to highly abrasive asphalt in the outdoor sections. The circuit also includes notable elevation changes with steep inclines and declines. Drivers must adjust quickly to dramatic lighting shifts as they move between the indoor and outdoor sections. The pit lane and start/finish straight are located inside the venue.

The Gen3 Evo Race Car

The London E-Prix features the Gen3 Evo race car, which represents the latest generation of formula-e technology. This car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.82 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating FIA single-seater race car. The Gen3 Evo delivers performance gains that translate to approximately two seconds faster qualifying laps compared to its predecessor.

The car features all-wheel drive capability during qualifying, race starts, and ATTACK MODE periods. Power output reaches 350 kW (469 hp) in qualifying and ATTACK MODE, and 300 kW (402 hp) during race conditions. The vehicles achieve a top speed of 200 mph. The Gen3 Evo uses optimized all-weather Hankook iON tires that provide 5-10% more grip and are manufactured from 35% recycled and sustainable materials.

Regenerative braking capacity reaches 600 kW, generating nearly 50% of the energy needed for a race. The electric motor operates at over 95% efficiency. The car weighs 760 kg without the driver and uses a 47 kWh liquid-cooled battery. Formula E positions the Gen3 Evo as the world's first net-zero carbon race car.

Teams and Drivers

Ten teams compete in the formula-e championship. Oliver Rowland returns as the defending world champion with Nissan Formula E Team, while Porsche Formula E Team holds the reigning teams' and manufacturers' championships. The grid includes Andretti Formula E, Citroën Racing, Cupra Kiro, DS Penske, Envision Racing, Jaguar TCS Racing, Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team, Mahindra Racing, Nissan Formula E Team, and Porsche Formula E Team.

Driver lineups include Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich at Andretti, Jean-Éric Vergne and Nick Cassidy at Citroën Racing, Mitch Evans and António Félix Da Costa at Jaguar TCS Racing, Lucas Di Grassi and Zane Maloney at Lola Yamaha ABT, Edoardo Mortara and Nyck De Vries at Mahindra Racing, Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato at Nissan, Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller at Porsche, Dan Ticktum and Josep Maria Martí at Cupra Kiro, Joel Eriksson at Envision Racing, and Taylor Barnard at DS Penske.

The Double-Header Format

London hosts two formula-e races across a weekend, with the ExCeL London Circuit providing the backdrop for both championship-deciding rounds. The double-header format means teams and drivers face two complete race events at the same venue. Each race offers points toward the drivers' and teams' championships, with the London races often determining the final championship standings.

Accessibility and Venue

The ExCeL London venue offers strong public transport connections. Two Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations serve the campus: Custom House and Prince Regent. The venue connects to the London Underground via the Jubilee Line. The Emirates Air Line cable car links ExCeL to the O2 arena. London City Airport sits immediately adjacent to the circuit.

ExCeL has hosted major sporting events beyond motorsport. The venue served multiple Olympic sports during the London 2012 Olympic Games, including boxing, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, and wrestling. The facility demonstrates versatility in accommodating large-scale sporting events.

Racing in London

Formula-e first came to London during its inaugural season, initially racing at Battersea Park. After two seasons there, the series sought a new London venue. The ExCeL London Exhibition Centre was confirmed in 2019 to host the race with its indoor-outdoor concept. The ExCeL venue debut was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the building served as an NHS Nightingale Hospital. The London E-Prix returned to the UK capital at ExCeL in 2021.

The London E-Prix consistently serves as the season finale for formula-e, with championship titles often decided on the streets and halls of the ExCeL London Circuit. The combination of varied surfaces, elevation changes, lighting transitions, and the indoor-outdoor layout makes this circuit one of the most technically demanding tracks in electric racing. The event promises close competition as drivers and teams compete for championship glory in this unique London venue.