Formula E will introduce one of the biggest sporting changes in its history when the GEN4 era begins in December 2026. Alongside the championship’s largest-ever 21-race calendar, fans will see a brand-new race format designed to showcase the full performance of the next generation of all-electric race cars.
The new format, known as E-Prix Unleashed, will be introduced exclusively during double-header weekends and will sit alongside the traditional Formula E race rather than replace it.
So, what is E-Prix Unleashed?
Unlike the traditional Formula E race, which continues to reward energy management, strategy and tactical decision-making, E-Prix Unleashed has been created to highlight the outright speed of the new GEN4 car.
Instead of focusing on conserving energy over a full race distance, drivers will compete in a shorter, flat-out sprint designed to maximise performance from lights out to the chequered flag.
How is it different?
Formula E has confirmed that the two races will feature different sporting regulations.
| E-Prix Unleashed | Traditional E-Prix |
|---|---|
| 30-minute sprint | 45-minute race |
| High-downforce aerodynamic configuration | Low-downforce configuration |
| Six minutes of ATTACK MODE | Eight minutes of ATTACK MODE |
| No mandatory PIT BOOST | Mandatory PIT BOOST remains |
The result is two completely different styles of racing over the same weekend.
Saturday (or the first race) will reward outright pace and aggressive driving, while the traditional E-Prix will continue to test energy management, tyre preservation and race strategy.
Why is Formula E making the change?
The introduction of GEN4 presents an opportunity to showcase just how far electric racing has evolved.
The new car is expected to be significantly faster than its predecessor, producing up to 600 kW in ATTACK MODE and capable of speeds exceeding 335 km/h (208 mph). Rather than asking drivers to manage that performance throughout every race, Formula E wants fans to experience the cars operating much closer to their full potential.
What stays the same?
The traditional Formula E race is not disappearing.
Energy strategy, mandatory PIT BOOST, ATTACK MODE deployment and tactical decision-making will remain central to the championship. The new sprint simply complements the existing format by offering a second type of race during double-header weekends.
Why it matters
The move is arguably Formula E’s biggest sporting change since introducing the GEN2 car in 2018.
For years, one of the championship’s biggest strengths has been strategic racing, but it has also faced criticism from fans wanting to see the cars driven closer to their absolute limits. E-Prix Unleashed aims to satisfy both audiences by combining tactical racing with a shorter, high-intensity sprint format.
It also brings Formula E closer to the approach used in other major championships. While Formula 1 and MotoGP have introduced sprint races in recent years, Formula E has chosen a different route by creating a race with its own sporting identity rather than simply shortening the existing format.
When will fans see it?
The new format will debut at the start of the 2026-27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, beginning with the season-opening double-header in Jeddah on 18-19 December 2026. It will feature at every double-header event throughout the inaugural GEN4 season, including Monaco, Berlin, Brands Hatch, Zandvoort, Madrid, Shanghai and Tokyo.
