Formula E will start new season in Mexico if Saudi opener cannot be held

Formula E's chief executive Jeff Dodds has stated that the electric racing series' 2026-27 season is set to begin in Saudi Arabia in December, with the opening race at Jeddah on December 18-19. However, should circumstances in the region necessitate, the inaugural event could be postponed to January in Mexico City. Both Formula One and the World Rally Championship have announced their intentions to conclude their seasons in the Middle East this November and December, with the latter series in Saudi Arabia scheduled for November 11-14.

Saudi Arabia cancelled its April rounds in Formula One due to the ongoing Iran war, but the nation's rounds have since been rescheduled for Malaysia in October. Formula One boss Stefano Domenicali has hinted at a decision on the November and December races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi by next month, with the season potentially concluding at a European circuit if these events cannot transpire.

Dodds emphasized the rapidly evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East, particularly with Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis imposing a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia since July, which has led to attacks on tankers. Nevertheless, Dodds remains highly confident in the December race in Jeddah going ahead, citing the pre-planned logistical preparations for the race.

Should the December race in Jeddah prove unsuitable, the season would commence in January at the Mexico City race.