Series introduces new venues and sprint format while reaffirming its commitment to city-center racing despite adding more permanent circuits.
Formula E has unveiled its largest-ever racing calendar for the 2026-27 season, featuring a record 21 races across 13 venues as the all-electric championship prepares to introduce its new Gen4 cars.
The expanded schedule reflects the series’ ambition to showcase the improved speed and performance of its next-generation machines while maintaining its commitment to racing in the heart of major cities.
The upcoming season will welcome three new venues to the championship. The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Brands Hatch in the United Kingdom, and Zandvoort in the Netherlands have all been added to the calendar. Formula E will also introduce a new E-Prix Unleashed sprint format during double-header race weekends to enhance the spectacle for fans.
Formula E co-founder Alberto Longo explained that securing a second race venue in the United States had been one of the championship’s highest priorities. He indicated that several circuits were evaluated before the Circuit of the Americas was selected because it offered the best opportunity to highlight the capabilities of the Gen4 cars.
Longo also noted that Zandvoort earned its place after outperforming several permanent circuits under consideration. He pointed to the venue’s successful Formula One history, the presence of Dutch Formula E driver Nyck de Vries, and the commercial significance of the Dutch market as key factors behind the decision.
In the United Kingdom, Brands Hatch will replace London’s ExCeL Circuit. According to Longo, the tighter layout of ExCeL was no longer suitable for the larger and faster Gen4 cars. He added that Brands Hatch would undergo modifications based on simulation data to ensure the circuit maximizes the performance and technology of the new race cars.
Despite the increasing number of permanent circuits on the schedule, Longo stressed that Formula E remains firmly committed to its street-racing identity. He explained that the championship first selects strategic markets before exploring city-center street circuits. Permanent tracks are only chosen when street layouts are unavailable or unable to showcase the latest cars effectively.
Longo emphasized that entertaining fans remains Formula E’s top priority. He said the series aims to deliver exciting racing while highlighting cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and avoiding a predictable championship.
Drivers have also welcomed the expanded calendar. Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans described the schedule as a positive development, although he admitted he still prefers the unique challenge of street circuits. However, he acknowledged that the faster Gen4 cars require a balanced mix of permanent facilities and street venues.
DS Penske driver and two-time Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne shared a similar opinion, saying many traditional street circuits have become too narrow for the next-generation cars.
He added that larger circuits similar to Monaco, Singapore, or Baku would be better suited for the evolving championship while describing the expanded calendar as another sign of Formula E’s continued global growth.