Formula E is set to kick off its 11th season with the São Paulo E-Prix, marking the official start of the electric championship.
Following the pre-season tests held in Madrid this past October, the Brazilian city will host the first round of this brand-new season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the opening event of the 2024/2025 Formula E season in São Paulo.
The São Paulo E-Prix Circuit: the insights
The São Paulo circuit, also known as the Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit, is one of the most fascinating and challenging tracks on the Formula E calendar.
Located in the heart of the Brazilian metropolis, the 2.933 km circuit features 11 corners, combining technical sections with high-speed straights. Drivers will complete 31 laps, covering a total distance of 90.923 km.
The track layout is designed to showcase the capabilities of the Gen3 Evo cars, making their official debut this season.
The race begins within the iconic Sambadrome, a symbol of the city, and continues through a series of tight turns and technical chicanes that demand precision driving. Meanwhile, the straights offer opportunities for overtaking, encouraging aggressive strategies.
One of the circuit’s unique characteristics is its uneven asphalt surface, which challenges grip, especially in low-speed corners. Additionally, the high temperatures typical of Brazil’s climate add an extra layer of complexity in managing energy and tyre wear.
Last season, Sam Bird secured NEOM McLaren’s first Formula E victory at this track, narrowly beating Mitch Evans in a thrilling finish that saw Bird overtake Evans in the penultimate corner of the final lap.
READ MORE: Formula E: Could Porsche Contend for Victory at the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix?
Who Are the Favorites for Season 11?
With the introduction of the Gen3 Evo cars – an evolution of the Gen3 models – Season 11 brings some technical uncertainties. However, the pre-season tests in Madrid provided valuable insights into the key contenders.
The rivalry between Porsche and Jaguar powertrains seems poised to continue. Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy (Jaguar TCS Racing) showcased impressive pace during testing, reaffirming the strength of Jaguar’s powertrain.
On the other hand, Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche) and Jake Dennis (Andretti) remain strong contenders, backed by competitive packages that have already delivered success in previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Kiro Race Co. (now Cupra Kiro) recently announced their 2024/2025 lineup, featuring returning driver Dan Ticktum and Porsche’s third driver, David Beckmann.
As always, energy management and strategy will be crucial, particularly on a circuit like São Paulo, where long straights and frequent braking zones heavily influence energy consumption.
Wet Weather Threatens São Paulo E-Prix
Unexpected challenges are always around the corner, and adverse weather with heavy downpours over the Brazilian skies brings uncertainty about whether the race can go ahead.
For now, conditions seem to have stabilized, but drivers remain sceptical. If the rain continues, the season opener could be at risk. Among those on-site, the concern revolves around Hankook’s new softer tyres for Season 11.
Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans described driving on the new tyres in wet conditions as “a shock” during pre-season testing, explaining that the smooth surface of São Paulo’s main straight exacerbates the issue.
With a significant shower already hitting the circuit on Thursday evening, water pooled in critical areas, raising further doubts about the feasibility of Saturday’s race if the forecasted rain continues.
As the drivers prepare for the unexpected, all eyes are on Hankook for solutions, but for now, the São Paulo E-Prix remains at risk.
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São Paulo E-Prix Schedule
For UK and Irish fans, Formula E has secured a new free-to-air broadcast deal with ITV. All 16 E-Prix and their qualifying sessions in Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will be shown live on ITV4 and ITVX.
Additionally, ITV4 will broadcast nine races live and air a dedicated highlights show following each race weekend. Fans can also stream all 16 races live, starting with the São Paulo E-Prix on December 7, on ITVX’s free-to-air streaming platform.
The São Paulo E-Prix will take place at the following times in the UK (GMT):
Friday, December 6
- 20:00 – 20:40 (GMT) -> Free Practice 1
Saturday, December 7
- 10:30 – 11:10 (GMT) -> Free Practice 2
- 12:40 – 14:03 (GMT)-> Qualifying
- 17:05 – 18:00 (GMT) -> São Paulo E-Prix
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— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) December 5, 2024
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