Formula E - London E-Prix (Round 17)

The London E-Prix Round 17 brings formula-e racing to the ExCeL London Circuit for a double-header season finale. This event concludes the twelfth season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in London, featuring the advanced Gen3 Evo race cars competing on a unique indoor-outdoor circuit layout. The ExCeL London venue provides a distinctive setting where drivers face changing conditions as they race through exhibition halls and around the historic Royal Victoria Docklands in East London.

The ExCeL London Circuit

The ExCeL London Circuit stands as the world's first indoor-outdoor circuit to host top-level international motorsport. The track measures 2.09 kilometers (1.30 miles) and features 20 turns that challenge drivers with varying surfaces, elevation changes, and lighting conditions. The main straight and pit lane sit inside the ExCeL building, while the rest of the circuit winds around the docklands area. This mix creates unique racing conditions where drivers must adapt their approach from the controlled indoor environment to the outdoor sections.

The circuit layout takes competitors past the Aloft London Excel Hotel and includes a distinctive ramp section where cars transition into the ExCeL building. The track configuration provides multiple overtaking opportunities while testing driver precision through tight technical sections. The temporary street circuit setup allows formula-e to bring racing directly to London's urban landscape.

Gen3 Evo Technology

The 2026 London E-Prix showcases the Gen3 Evo race car, which represents the latest evolution in electric motorsport technology. This single-seater accelerates from 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds, making it 30% faster than current Formula 1 cars in acceleration. The car reaches a top speed of 200mph while maintaining over 95% efficiency in its electric motor.

Performance Features

The Gen3 Evo introduces all-wheel drive capability to formula-e for the first time. Drivers can engage AWD during qualifying duels, race starts, and ATTACK MODE periods, providing maximum acceleration and control. The rear axle motor delivers 350 kW (469 hp) in qualifying and attack mode, while race mode limits output to 300 kW (402 hp). The front powertrain can contribute up to 50kW for traction when AWD activates.

The new aerodynamic body kit improves performance and allows closer wheel-to-wheel racing. Hankook iON all-weather tires provide 5-10% more grip than previous generations while incorporating 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The 47 kWh liquid-cooled battery system works with 600kW regenerative braking capacity, allowing cars to generate nearly 50% of their race energy during competition.

Teams and Drivers

The 2026 season features ten teams competing in formula-e with the Gen3 Evo on Hankook tires. 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. Notable names like Nick Cassidy and Jean-Éric Vergne drive for Citroën Racing, while António Félix da Costa competes with Jaguar TCS Racing and Nico Müller represents Porsche.

Oliver Rowland enters the season as the reigning world champion, aiming to defend his title with Nissan. Porsche holds the teams' and manufacturers' championships from the previous season. British drivers have traditionally performed well at the London E-Prix, with Jake Dennis earning the most success at this venue with two wins and five podiums.

Event Experience

The London E-Prix creates a family-friendly atmosphere with the Allianz Fan Village and fan festival areas. The Gaming Arena allows spectators to compete on racing simulators that replicate the ExCeL London Circuit. The double-header format provides two separate races, often determining championship outcomes as the season finale.

London's transport infrastructure makes the ExCeL London Circuit accessible through multiple options. London City Airport sits immediately adjacent to the venue, while other international airports remain within an hour's reach. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Emirates Air Line cable car offer public transport connections to the circuit.

Formula-E in London

London has hosted formula-e racing since the championship's first season. Early races took place at Battersea Park Street Circuit before the series moved to ExCeL London. The ExCeL venue made its debut in July 2021 after delays, becoming the first location to hold an FIA World Championship event on a mixed indoor-outdoor circuit. The London E-Prix at ExCeL has served as the season finale throughout the Gen3 era.

The circuit's unique characteristics continue to challenge teams and drivers. The transition between indoor and outdoor sections requires setup compromises, as conditions differ significantly between the two environments. Temperature, grip levels, and visibility all change as cars move through the lap, making the ExCeL London Circuit one of formula-e's most distinctive venues.

Sustainability and Innovation

The Gen3 Evo represents the world's first net-zero carbon race car in motorsport's first net-zero carbon series. Battery development uses ethically sourced minerals, while the car's construction incorporates sustainable materials. The regenerative braking system captures energy that would otherwise be lost, demonstrating efficiency advances that translate to road car technology.

Formula-e's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the cars themselves. The championship uses the racing platform to test and develop electric vehicle technology in competitive conditions. The London E-Prix provides a showcase for these innovations in a major global city, demonstrating electric performance capabilities to a wide audience.