News Summary
- Formula E has postponed its Jeddah double-header from December 18–19, 2026, to April 16–17, 2027, amid the Middle East conflict.
- The FIA-approved change means Mexico City will open the 2026/27 season, while China’s Sanya E-Prix moves forward to April 3.
- Both Jeddah races remain on the calendar, with organisers citing regional developments and logistical considerations.
Formula E has postponed its Saudi Arabian double-header by almost four months amid the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States, removing Jeddah from its position as the opening event of the 2026/27 championship. The races, originally scheduled for December 18–19, will now take place on April 16–17, 2027, following approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
The decision was announced after discussions between Formula E, Saudi Arabian event partner SELA, the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), the FIA and local authorities. Organisers cited recent developments in the region and logistical considerations, without identifying a specific security incident responsible for the postponement.
The revised calendar also brings forward the Sanya E-Prix in China by two weeks, while preserving the championship’s planned number of races.
Jeddah loses Formula E season opener to Mexico City
The Jeddah E-Prix had been scheduled to launch Formula E’s new Gen4 era with a double-header on December 18 and 19. However, the revised dates mean the championship will instead begin in Mexico City on January 16, 2027.
The opening rounds will then take place in Austin on February 6, Miami on February 20 and São Paulo on March 13, before the championship moves to Asia and the Middle East in April.
Jeddah will retain both races, now scheduled for April 16 and 17, with no reduction in the double-header format.
Formula E emphasised that the decision was coordinated with its Saudi Arabian partners to preserve the integrity of the championship and maintain the planned number of events.
The postponement also provides additional time to address the logistical challenges associated with transporting equipment, personnel and infrastructure to the region during the ongoing conflict.
Sanya E-Prix moves forward by two weeks
The calendar adjustment also affects the Sanya E-Prix on China’s Hainan Island.
Originally scheduled for April 17, the event has been brought forward to April 3, positioning it between two major international events hosted on the island.
According to Formula E, the revised date will allow the race to complement Hainan’s flagship international forum and annual trade exhibition.
The championship will then travel from China to Saudi Arabia for the rescheduled Jeddah double-header.
| Event | Original date | New date |
|---|---|---|
| Jeddah E-Prix | December 18–19, 2026 | April 16–17, 2027 |
| Sanya E-Prix | April 17, 2027 | April 3, 2027 |
| Season opener | Jeddah, December 2026 | Mexico City, January 16, 2027 |
The FIA World Motor Sport Council approved both changes, ensuring that the revised calendar maintains its original race count.
Middle East conflict continues to disrupt motorsport
The postponement comes as the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States creates uncertainty for international sporting events across the Middle East.
Security concerns, restrictions affecting regional travel and the challenges of transporting personnel and equipment have complicated preparations for major competitions.
Saudi Arabia has already experienced significant changes to its motorsport calendar. The 2027 Dakar Rally, originally scheduled to take place in the kingdom, has been relocated to Portugal and Morocco amid concerns about the regional security situation.
Unlike the Dakar, Formula E has chosen to retain its Saudi Arabian event by moving it to a later date rather than changing the host country.
The decision also comes as Formula 1 continues monitoring preparations for its final two scheduled Grands Prix of 2026 in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The championship recently ruled out Imola as a potential replacement event, while FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem reaffirmed preparations for both Middle East races.
For Formula E, the revised schedule reflects an attempt to preserve the Saudi Arabian event while adapting to the uncertainty affecting the region.
Gen4 era begins in Mexico with revised preparations
The calendar change means Formula E’s new Gen4 era will begin in North America rather than Saudi Arabia.
The next generation of cars will feature up to 600 kW of power, permanent all-wheel drive and increased energy regeneration capabilities.
Teams are preparing for substantial technical changes, including Andretti’s switch to Nissan powertrains and the continuation of its driver pairing of Felipe Drugovich and Jake Dennis.
Andretti has also unveiled a chrome livery for the 2026/27 championship, introducing a new visual identity as it prepares for the technical transition.
Pre-season testing remains scheduled for November 16–20 at Jarama, Spain.
With the season opener now scheduled for January 16, teams will have additional preparation time before the first competitive weekend.
The championship’s next major logistical challenge will be adapting its freight and travel plans to the revised sequence of races in China and Saudi Arabia.
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following the preparations for the 2026/27 Formula E World Championship and the impact of the Middle East conflict on international motorsport.
FAQ
Why has Formula E postponed the Jeddah E-Prix?
Formula E cited regional developments and logistical considerations amid the Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The organisers did not identify a specific incident as the direct cause.
When will Formula E race in Saudi Arabia in 2027?
The Jeddah E-Prix double-header will take place on April 16–17, 2027, following approval by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
When will the 2026/27 Formula E season begin?
The championship will open in Mexico City on January 16, 2027, following the postponement of the Jeddah races.
Alternative headlines
- Formula E delays Jeddah double-header as Middle East conflict reshapes 2027 calendar
- Formula E moves Saudi Arabia races to April amid regional war
- FIA approves Formula E calendar changes as Jeddah loses season opener
Tags: Formula E, Jeddah E-Prix, Saudi Arabia, Middle East
Slug: formula-e-postpones-jeddah-april-2027-middle-east-war
Meta description: Formula E postpones its Jeddah double-header to April 2027 amid the Middle East war, with Sanya also moving to a new date.
