Formula E Season 12 Commences with High-Stakes Jeddah Double-Header
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is poised to launch its twelfth season with an electrifying double-header event in Jeddah. This opening weekend not only sets the competitive tone for the year but also heralds the highly anticipated return of the innovative Pit Boost feature. Originally introduced in the previous season, Pit Boost proved to be a game-changing element during double-header weekends, significantly influencing race dynamics and final outcomes.
Understanding the Strategic Pit Boost Mechanism
Pit Boost is a mid-race enhancement that delivers a substantial 10% energy increase, equivalent to 3.85 kWh, directly to the race cars. This is achieved through a rapid 30-second, 600 kW energy transfer in the pit lane. Operating at a power level far exceeding current consumer superchargers, this mandatory feature introduces a critical strategic layer during selected races. It has the demonstrated potential to dramatically reshape race tactics and final standings.
It is important to note that teams must manage this resource carefully, as only one car per team can utilize the Pit Boost during a given race. This feature operates independently of the existing six-minute Attack Mode, thereby serving as an additional strategic variable that drivers and teams must expertly navigate. The procedure is tightly regulated: no more than two pit crew members are permitted to work on the car during the boost, with one member specifically designated to handle the car's stop and release.
Strategic planning is further defined by the FIA, which determines the specific energy window, based on a predetermined "state of charge" value, when teams can activate Pit Boost. This critical information is communicated to all competing teams 21 days prior to each race, allowing for extensive preparation and strategy development.
Global Deployment and Technological Significance
Jeddah serves as the inaugural venue for teams to deploy their Pit Boost strategies on one of the two racing days scheduled for February 13 and 14. Following this debut, the tactical use of Pit Boost will extend to other iconic circuits on the calendar, including Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, and the season finale in London.
This rapid and efficient booster system empowers teams with the capability to perform two battery top-ups per race. The system utilizes a 600 kW portable unit, providing flexibility as it is not dependent on fixed grid connections. The technology is enhanced by Fortescue Zero's advanced battery intelligence software, Elysia. This software optimizes charging speed while meticulously preserving battery health and long-term integrity.
The underlying technology has already undergone extensive real-world validation. During Season 11, the Pit Boost system successfully delivered over 1.5 MWh of energy across nearly 400 separate battery top-ups conducted during various races, practice sessions, and rigorous testing protocols.
Leadership Perspectives on Innovation and Impact
Explaining the broader significance of the Pit Boost strategy, Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, emphasized its role in technological advancement. "The return of Pit Boost this season reaffirms Formula E's role as the ultimate real-world laboratory for high-speed innovation," Longo stated. "By pushing this technology to its limits on the track, we aren't just enhancing the race spectacle; we are proving the mission-critical solutions needed to decarbonize heavy industry and accelerate the global shift to electric mobility."
Douglas Campling, General Manager for Motorsport at Fortescue, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the competitive edge it provides. "Fortescue Zero's Pit Boost ultra-fast technology is returning for a second season to once again deliver a valuable strategic edge to the race series," Campling added.
Season Calendar and Partnership Continuity
The championship has confirmed that Fortescue Zero will continue its role as the Official Pit Boost Partner for the entire 2025/26 Formula E season. The competitive action begins with the Jeddah E-Prix, running from February 12 through February 14. This event will be followed later by the special Formula E EVO Session scheduled for March 15, marking another key date in the innovative championship's calendar.
