Formula E heads back to Saudi Arabia this weekend as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship takes on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit for Rounds 4 and 5 of Season 12. The event marks the first double-header of the season and, with it, the return of the race-deciding PIT BOOST strategies.
After three fiercely competitive rounds in São Paulo, Mexico City and Miami, the championship battle is still close, but favourites are beginning to rise. The top five drivers are separated by just seven points, underlining how finely balanced the field remains heading into Jeddah.
The Season So Far
Season 12 has delivered three different winners in three races, reinforcing Formula E’s reputation for unpredictability and partial chaos.
Jake Dennis opened the season in Brazil by finally converting pole position into victory, ending a near two-year wait for a return to the top step of the podium. In Mexico City, Nick Cassidy carved his way through the field from 13th to first, securing a landmark win early in Citroën’s single-seater journey and launching himself into the championship lead.
Most recently, it was Mitch Evans who rewrote the history books in Miami. The Jaguar TCS Racing driver raced from ninth on the grid to claim victory in challenging conditions, securing his 15th career win — the most by any driver in Formula E history. With momentum now firmly on his side, Evans arrives in Jeddah as a major contender.
Consistency, however, remains key. Season 10 Champion Pascal Wehrlein continues to quietly build his title defence, while Porsche teammate Nico Müller has shown impressive pace, adding further depth to the championship fight.
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit
At 3.01 kilometres and 19 turns, the Jeddah Corniche Circuit presents a very different test compared to Miami’s tighter layout. Known for its flowing, high-speed sections combined with technical corners, the track demands precision and confidence, particularly on a street circuit bordered by unforgiving walls.
Racing under floodlights introduces additional complexity with lighting effects. Cooler evening conditions can improve battery efficiency and help manage tyre wear. Still, they also make it more difficult for drivers to generate good grip and execute practice strategies in the later sessions, when everything counts — especially during qualifying, where tyre temperature can make or break a lap. With two races across the weekend, adaptability will be crucial for the teams and drivers.
PIT BOOST Shakes Up Strategy
One of the headline features of the Jeddah double-header is the return of PIT BOOST. The mandatory mid-race energy recharge adds a new strategic layer to Formula E.
Used in one of the races this weekend, PIT BOOST requires every driver to make a 30-second stop for a 600kW energy recharge, delivering a 10% increase (3.85kWh). The twist lies in the logistics: each team has only one PIT BOOST rig, meaning double-stacking cars is not an option. This will lead teams to embrace different strategies for their two cars.
Drivers must take the boost when their state of charge sits between 40% and 60%, forcing teams to carefully plan their opening phase. With only one ATTACK MODE activation available during PIT BOOST races this season, strategic timing could dramatically alter the order.
Expect contrasting approaches, aggressive undercuts and late-race surges as drivers take advantage of the additional energy.
Sustainability in Focus
Formula E continues to embed sustainability at the heart of its events. In Jeddah, the championship will utilise B100 biofuel, capable of significantly reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil diesel. Alongside battery storage and grid integration, it marks another step forward in improving efficiency.
Expanded waste sorting facilities, reduced single-use plastics and community engagement initiatives further reinforce the series’ commitment to delivering world-class racing with meaningful environmental and social impact.
With the standings tightly packed and strategy playing an even greater role this weekend, Jeddah could prove pivotal in shaping the early championship narrative. Can Mitch Evans build on his historic Miami win? Or could PIT BOOST introduce the kind of unpredictability that reshuffles the title fight once again?
For everyone who has not had enough electric cars on track after these two races should keep their eyes on the track on Sunday to witness the second round of Evo Sessions.