Madrid set for historic Formula E debut as championship heads to Jarama

Madrid set for historic Formula E debut as championship heads to Jarama

By Damian Hall

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns this weekend with a landmark moment for Spanish motorsport, as Madrid prepares to host its first-ever E-Prix at the historic Circuito del Jarama.

Round six of the 2025/26 season takes place on March 21, marking the championship’s first race in Spain since the Valencia E-Prix in 2021. The 3.934km circuit, featuring 14 turns and notable elevation changes, brings Formula E back to a venue steeped in racing history.

Once a regular fixture on the Formula 1 calendar through the late 1960s and 1970s, Jarama last hosted a Spanish Grand Prix in 1981. Now, it returns to the global stage with a new generation of electric racing.

Drivers have already had a taste of the circuit during pre-season testing, where it received widespread praise, earning its place on the Season 12 calendar.

For CUPRA Kiro’s Pepe Martí, the race carries added significance.

“I’m very excited to race at home this weekend,” Martí said. “We’re coming to Madrid following a very strong performance in Jeddah and in the team, hopes are very high. The goal is to score points and I’d love to reward the Spanish fans with a strong finish.”

Fresh off a victory in Jeddah, Jaguar TCS Racing’s António Félix da Costa arrives with momentum and confidence.

“Winning in Jeddah was an incredible moment and it’s given me huge confidence heading into Madrid,” he said. “This is the closest I’ll get to a home race in Formula E, so having my friends and family there makes it even more special.”

Unpredictable season continues

The 2025/26 season has already delivered one of the most competitive starts in Formula E history.

Five races have produced five different winners across four teams, underlining the depth of the field. Pascal Wehrlein currently leads the standings on 68 points, while reigning champion Oliver Rowland has consistently featured on the podium but is still searching for his first win of the season.

Jake Dennis, Nick Cassidy, Mitch Evans and da Costa have all claimed victories so far, with teams still working to unlock consistent performance in the GEN3 Evo era.

Strategy in focus with PIT BOOST return

Madrid will also see the return of PIT BOOST, adding another layer of strategy to the race.

Drivers will be required to make a mandatory 30-second stop to gain an additional 10 percent energy boost, alongside a single six-minute ATTACK MODE activation.

The feature, introduced last season, is designed to increase unpredictability and create more overtaking opportunities, forcing teams to carefully balance track position with energy strategy.

Next generation gets its chance

Following the race, the championship’s Rookie Test returns on March 22, offering emerging drivers the opportunity to get behind the wheel of GEN3 Evo machinery.

Twenty rookies will take part, including rising talents such as Abbi Pulling, Victor Martins, Théo Pourchaire and Bianca Bustamante.

The test has historically served as a pathway into full-time seats, with several current drivers earning their place on the grid after standout performances in similar sessions.

Sustainability at the forefront

Beyond the racing, Formula E continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable sport.

The Madrid E-Prix will run on a mix of renewable energy sources, including solar power and hydrogenated vegetable oil, while initiatives such as the Better Futures Fund will support local STEM education programmes.

The event will also host FIA Girls on Track activities, providing young women with direct exposure to careers in motorsport and engineering, alongside workshops, mentorship and behind-the-scenes access.

With a historic venue, unpredictable championship battle and new strategic elements in play, Madrid’s debut promises to be another defining moment in Formula E’s rapidly evolving story.