The electric racing championship Formula E will visit Circuit Zandvoort for the first time in 2027, hosting a double-header on June 18-19 to fill the void left by the departing Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix. The announcement, made on June 23, 2026, marks a major shift for the iconic Dutch circuit as it transitions from the pinnacle of combustion-engine motorsport to the all-electric future.
What is the Formula E Zandvoort Deal?
Formula E has secured a multi-year agreement with Circuit Zandvoort, initially spanning three seasons with an option to extend through the Gen4 era. The Zandvoort Formula E double-header will take place on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19, 2027, as part of Season 13 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The event replaces the Dutch Grand Prix, which held its final F1 race in August 2026.
Circuit co-owner Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau was instrumental in negotiating the deal since early 2025. Formula E is working with the same promoters as the former F1 weekend, aiming to retain and build upon the passionate fan base established during the Max Verstappen era.
Gen4: The Fastest Formula E Car Ever
The 2027 season coincides with the introduction of the Gen4 race car, a technological leap that brings Formula E closer to F1 performance levels. The Gen4 car, unveiled in November 2025, delivers up to 600 kW (805 hp) in Attack Mode — a 71% increase over the Gen3 Evo.
Gen4 Performance Specifications
- Top speed: 335 km/h (208 mph)
- 0-100 km/h: 1.8 seconds
- 0-200 km/h: 4.4 seconds
- Power output: 600 kW (805 hp) peak, 450 kW (603 hp) race mode
- Drivetrain: Permanent active all-wheel drive
- Regenerative braking: 700 kW, recovering ~50% of race energy
- Battery: 55 kWh, supplied by Podium Advanced Technologies
- Weight: 1,012 kg
- Length: 5,540 mm (up from 5,016 mm Gen3)
The car features two aerodynamic configurations: a high-downforce setup for qualifying and a low-drag package for racing. It is also the world's first 100% recyclable race car, with bodywork containing at least 20% recycled carbon fiber and a battery free of rare-earth minerals.
New Race Format: E-Prix and E-PrixUnleashed
Formula E is introducing a transformative race format for double-header weekends in Season 13. Each weekend will feature:
| Race | Duration | Power | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic E-Prix | ~45 minutes | 450 kW base, 600 kW Attack Mode | Energy management, PIT BOOST |
| E-PrixUnleashed | ~30 minutes | 450 kW base, 600 kW Attack Mode | Full performance, no energy saving |
The new Formula E race format is designed to showcase the Gen4 car's raw speed, with the shorter sprint race eliminating energy conservation strategies for a flat-out spectacle. Zandvoort's double-header is expected to feature both formats across the two days.
Zandvoort Circuit Adapts for Electric Racing
Zandvoort will use a shortened circuit configuration of approximately 3 km (down from the 4.3 km F1 layout) to suit the Gen4 cars. The banking and technical sections remain intact, but chicanes may be removed pending FIA homologation. The all-wheel-drive Gen4 cars are considered ideally suited to Zandvoort's tight, twisty, and banked corners.
"The Gen4 car with its all-wheel drive and instant torque is perfectly matched to Zandvoort's unique characteristics," said a Formula E spokesperson. "We are building on the incredible legacy left by Formula 1 in the Netherlands."
Nyck de Vries: Home Hero
Dutch driver Nyck de Vries, the 2020-21 Formula E world champion and recent winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is the only Dutch competitor in the current Formula E field. Racing for Mahindra Racing in the 2025-26 season, de Vries will have the opportunity to race on home soil when Formula E visits Zandvoort in 2027.
"Racing at Zandvoort in Formula E would be a dream come true," de Vries said in a recent interview. "The Dutch fans are the best in the world, and I know they will embrace electric racing just as they embraced F1."
Impact on Dutch Motorsport
The transition from F1 to Formula E represents a significant shift for Dutch motorsport. The Dutch Grand Prix, which returned to the calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence, drew massive crowds and boosted the local economy. The economic impact of Formula E Zandvoort is expected to be substantial, though on a smaller scale than F1.
Formula E's festival-style approach, featuring beachside fan zones and live music, aims to create a unique atmosphere that differentiates the event from its predecessor. The Friday race will be followed by a concert on the beach, targeting a younger, more diverse audience.
2026-27 Formula E Calendar Highlights
- Season opens: December 18-19, 2026 — Jeddah (night race, double-header)
- New venues: Circuit of the Americas (Austin), Zandvoort, Brands Hatch
- Total races: 21 (record high)
- Season finale: July 2027 — Tokyo (double-header)
FAQ
When will Formula E race at Zandvoort?
Formula E will host a double-header at Circuit Zandvoort on June 18-19, 2027, as part of the 2026-27 season.
Is Formula E replacing Formula 1 at Zandvoort?
Yes. Formula E will fill the summer slot vacated by Formula 1 after the final Dutch Grand Prix in August 2026. A multi-year deal has been signed.
How fast is the new Gen4 Formula E car?
The Gen4 car reaches a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph) and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 1.8 seconds, with 805 hp in Attack Mode.
Will Nyck de Vries race at his home E-Prix?
Nyck de Vries is currently the only Dutch driver in Formula E. If he remains in the championship, he will compete at his home event at Zandvoort in 2027.
What is the E-PrixUnleashed format?
E-PrixUnleashed is a new 30-minute sprint race introduced in Season 13, designed for full-power racing without energy conservation strategies, complementing the traditional 45-minute E-Prix.
Sources
Information sourced from the FIA Formula E official website, RacingNews365, GPblog, and Wikipedia. For more details, visit FIA Formula E.
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