Lucas di Grassi will start the 2026 Jeddah E-Prix from three positions lower on the grid than he qualified, after being penalized for failing to follow instructions from the FIA Race Director. The incident occurred at Turn 7 during a previous race, the Miami E-Prix, where di Grassi left the track and did not adhere to the prescribed procedure of coming to a complete stop to the right of the bollard in the run-off zone.
While the initial offense warranted a five-second time penalty, the FIA converted it to a three-place grid drop for the Jeddah race, as the penalty was assessed after the Miami E-Prix concluded. The Lola Yamaha ABT driver also received a penalty point, bringing his total to eight over the last 12 months.
The Jeddah E-Prix represents Round 4 of the 2025/26 World Championship, and is a double-header event taking place on February 13th and 14th. The circuit, located at the Jeddah Corniche, has been a fixture on the Formula E calendar since Season 5.
Today’s schedule, , includes Free Practice 2 at 13:30 local time (10:30 UTC), Qualifying at 15:40 local time (12:40 UTC), and the Race at 20:05 local time (17:05 UTC). will see Free Practice 3 at 13:30 local time (10:30 UTC), Qualifying at 15:40 local time (12:40 UTC), and a second Race at 20:05 local time (17:05 UTC).
Beyond the on-track action, Formula E is bringing back its “Evo Sessions” to Jeddah. These sessions pair the world’s fastest electric race cars with prominent content creators, and will be streamed live on YouTube on .
The Jeddah E-Prix also marks the return of PIT BOOST, adding another strategic element to the races. Fans can follow all the action live through the Formula E Race Centre, which provides real-time interactive track maps, live timing, and session reports. Detailed statistics, exclusive interviews, and standings updates will also be available on the Formula E website and app.
Di Grassi’s penalty adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming races. The Brazilian driver will need to navigate the field carefully to minimize the impact of the grid drop and contend for valuable championship points. The Jeddah circuit, known for its high speeds and challenging layout, will test the limits of both drivers and machines.
The penalty comes after a recent trend of scrutiny from race stewards. Ahead of the Jeddah E-Prix, Citroen was fined 1,500 euros for overcharging the battery in Jean-Eric Vergne’s car, violating guidelines set by battery manufacturer Fortescue Zero. Edoardo Mortara received a warning for a pit stop infraction during Free Practice 1, and Pepe Marti was reprimanded for impeding Jean-Eric Vergne. Di Grassi himself received a separate reprimand for slowing down between Turns 16 and 17.
The increasing number of penalties highlights the FIA’s commitment to enforcing the sporting regulations and ensuring fair competition. With three reprimands resulting in a ten-place grid penalty, drivers are walking a fine line as the season progresses.
Formula E continues to expand its reach through various media platforms, offering fans multiple ways to engage with the sport. The availability of live streaming, detailed race coverage, and behind-the-scenes content aims to enhance the fan experience and attract a wider audience. The “Driver” series on Amazon Prime Video also provides an inside look at the lives and challenges of Formula E drivers, further solidifying the championship’s growing popularity.
