Formula E's Season 12 Updates

Formula E Championship

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has confirmed its biggest-ever season for 2025-2026 featuring a record 17 races across 11 cities. They have also made several updates to sporting and financial regulations.  

The season 12 calendar includes the long-awaited return to Sanya China for the first time since Season 5. Scheduled for June 2026, the Sanya E-Prix joins Shanghai on the calendar, making China a two-race destination and reaffirming the nation’s importance to Formula E’s growth strategy.  

The tropical coastal island will host Round 11, offering a scenic but challenging street circuit expected to deliver exciting racing. New tracks in Miami and Madrid debut on the calendar, alongside established venues such as São Paulo, Monaco, and London.  

Formula E and the FIA have also introduced a series of rule changes aimed at sharpening competition and improving the fan experience. Qualifying sessions will now run shorter. The group stages will be reduced to 10 minutes, with revised duel timings designed to make the process faster and more viewer-friendly while maintaining the popular Groups-and-Duels format. 

Attack Mode has been updated to keep racing unpredictable. During Pit Boost races only one activation will be available, while non Pit Boost races will continue to feature two activations. Although drivers must still activate the required number of times, the penalty for not completing the full Attack Mode duration has been removed.  

In a major move for inclusivity, maternity and paternity pay will now be excluded from the championship’s cost cap. The change ensures teams can support their staff through key life events without compromising competitive budgets as part of Formula E’s broader commitment to equality and its Women’s Strategy.  

Alberto Longo, Formula E’s co-founder and chief championship officer said

“Season 12 marks another important evolution for Formula E, from our return to Sanya to updates that enhance competition and reinforce our commitment to inclusion and equality “

FIA Head of Formula E Pablo Martino added that the 17-race schedule

“blends the best of long-standing venues and new additions in dynamic cities, including a second event in China, such a relevant market for the series manufactures." 

Season 12 also features dedicated rookie sessions in Miami and Madrid, plus an all-women collective test in Valencia, continuing Formula E’s mission to expand opportunities for future talent. 

With a record calendar, faster qualifying sessions, strategic Attack Mode tweaks, and progressive cost-cap reform, Formula E Season 12 promises one of the most dynamic and inclusive campaigns in the series history. 

Written by: Camaelia Barnes