Formula E defiant on Saudi Arabia season opener amid regional disruption
Formula E has issued a defiant stance regarding its scheduled season opener in Saudi Arabia, maintaining that it intends to kick off its new campaign in the country this December despite rising geopolitical tensions and calendar shifts across other motorsport championships.
The all-electric series is set to launch its 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the new Gen4 regulatory cycle at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from December 17 to 19.
Motorsport Adjustments Across the Middle East
The decision to push forward comes as other major racing categories reconsider their presence in the region amid ongoing conflict. Earlier this year in April, Formula 1 cancelled its planned race in Jeddah and also opted against racing in Bahrain, with Malaysia stepping in to host the Bahrain Grand Prix next month. Uncertainty also lingers over F1âs remaining rounds scheduled for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, as well as its recently announced plan to start the 2027 season in the Middle East.
Furthermore, following recent developments where the FIA and WRC cancelled their Saudi finale to relocate the event to Italy, attention has turned to regional security. Tensions have intensified in recent weeks, with an area just 300 kilometres from Jeddah targeted by Houthi rebel missiles, while Saudi Arabia has also deployed ballistic missiles.
Logistics and Operational Timelines
Despite the complex backdrop, on-ground preparations in Jeddah are already underway. Formula E does not face an immediate deadline to make a final call, with key decisions not required until pre-season testing takes place in Madrid around mid-November.
According to one Formula E team, minimal advance notice is necessary due to flexible freight schedules; equipment will simply travel directly from Madrid to Jeddah or be rerouted to Mexico City, which hosts the second round of the campaign.
Formula E co-founder and chief championship officer Alberto Longo reaffirmed the series' commitment to the scheduled opener.
âWe are looking forward to opening the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Jeddah this December and launching the revolutionary Gen4 era,â Longo stated. âAs with all our international events, we continuously monitor the situation on the ground alongside local promoter partners, authorities, and international security experts.
âThe safety and security of everyone involved in the championship is always our top priority. Preparations for the season opener at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit are ongoing, and we will update all stakeholders should there be any developments.â
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.