Formula E switches Saudi ePrix from Diriyah to Jeddah
Shortened version of the Jeddah street circuit will host Saudi Arabia’s Formula E round from 2025
Jeddah can add Formula E to its calendar; it has staged the Saudi Arabian GP since 2021
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Formula E remains a hive of activity despite the electric-powered series’ long off-season. Among the latest updates is a switch in venue from its long-established round in Saudi Arabia, from the town of Diriyah to a shortened version of the Formula 1 grand prix circuit in Jeddah.
A double-header at the permanent street circuit hybrid will be held on February 14-15 next year. The series’ 11th season will kick off on December 7, 2024 in São Paulo, Brazil, with previous opening-race venue Mexico City hosting the second round on January 11. The 17-round calendar also includes a return to Miami for the first time since Formula E’s inaugural season and concludes as usual with a double-header in London next July. A venue for round five on March 8 is yet to be confirmed amid reports a race in Thailand could be on the cards.
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah ePrix has been run at the Riyadh Street Circuit as a double header
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Meanwhile, the grid is beginning to take shape amid a flurry of driver changes. Among the most notable moves is Nico Müller’s from Abt Cupra to Porsche customer team Andretti as team-mate to 2023 world champion Jake Dennis. Müller, who has also raced for Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship this year, is now an official Porsche factory driver.
He replaces Norman Nato, who has returned to Nissan alongside Oliver Rowland, leaving Frenchman Sacha Fenestraz out of a drive. Maximilian Günther and Stoffel Vandoorne have switched seats, the former joining Jean-Éric Vergne at DS Penske, the latter lining up at Maserati MSG. The Italian maker has also signed Briton Jakes Hughes whose previous seat at McLaren is taken by Taylor Barnard who impressed as substitute for an injured Sam Bird earlier this year.