Formula E confirms Gen4 Sprint format with âE-Prix Unleashedâ races
Formula E will introduce a defined sprint-and-feature race structure for its Gen4 era, with a new branded âE-Prix Unleashedâ format designed to showcase the next-generation carâs outright performance during double-header weekends.
Gen4 Era Gets Two Race Formats
Eight double-headers were confirmed as part of the 2026-27 calendar at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting, meaning eight âUnleashedâ races are set to be staged in Jeddah, Monaco, Berlin, Zandvoort, Brands Hatch, Jarama, Shanghai and Tokyo.
These shorter races are being described as performance-focused sprints and will use higher-downforce bodywork to emphasise the Gen4 carâs pace. The new package is expected to be around 7-8 seconds per lap faster on average than the current Gen3 Evo machinery.
By contrast, standalone events in Mexico, Austin, Miami, Sao Paulo and Sanya, plus the non-sprint races within double-headers, will retain the traditional Formula E race profile of around 45 minutes. Those events will continue to place greater emphasis on energy management and recovery, a theme underlined by recent chaotic racing such as the Sanya E-Prix drama involving Oliver Rowland.
Attack Mode will remain, as will in-race PitBoost stops, although PitBoost will only feature at double-header events.
FIA Says Format Will Showcase Gen4 Performance
The FIA and Formula E have developed the sporting format over recent months following consultation with teams. FIA Formula E sporting chief Pablo Martino said the Gen4 opportunity was central to the rethink.
âWe have prepared a championship format that we believe is going to showcase primarily all the capabilities of the new car,â Martino said.
He explained that double-headers will now feature two distinct race distances. One will remain a conventional E-Prix, with a similar approach to current races and around a 25% lift-off requirement for drivers managing battery energy, harvesting and deployment.
The second will be the shorter E-Prix Unleashed, expected to last around 25-30 minutes, with much lower energy-management demands. Martino said the aim was to give spectators two clearly different races across a double-header weekend.
Points Tweaked, Paddock Cautiously Positive
The main race points system will remain unchanged across both formats, but qualifying points will now extend to the top eight: four for first, three for second, two each for third and fourth, and one point from fifth to eighth.
Team and driver reaction has been cautiously supportive. Andretti team principal Roger Griffiths said Formula E had long wanted to showcase the carâs ultimate performance, though he noted technical details still need finalising. Jaguar boss Ian James called the direction a balanced one, while Porsche driver Nico Mueller said the concept looked âpretty promisingâ and argued that Gen4âs raw performance should already bring spectacle without relying solely on constant side-by-side racing.
Simone Scanu
Heâs a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.