Formula E brings back Pit Boost advantage for Jeddah E-Prix double-header

Formula E is all set to host the first double-header of Season 12 in Jeddah. The return of the double-header also marks the comeback of the special Pit Boost, which was introduced last season and played a significant role in influencing race results during double-header weekends.

Formula E has now announced that Fortescue Zero will continue as the Official Pit Boost Partner for the 2025/26 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

What is Pit Boost in Formula E?

Pit Boost is a mid-race feature that provides a 10% energy increase (3.85 kWh) to race cars through a 30-second, 600 kW rapid energy boost in the pit lane. This mandatory feature, deploying significantly more power than current consumer superchargers, adds a strategic element during selected races, with the potential to dramatically alter race outcomes and tactics.It should be noted that only one car at a time per team can avail of Pit Boost during the race. It is independent of the existing six-minute Attack Mode and therefore works as an additional strategic element to be managed by the drivers.

No more than two pit crew members can work on the car during Pit Boost, and one pit crew member is specifically assigned to stop and release the car.The FIA determines the window to take Pit Boost (depending on a certain “state of charge” value) and shares it with teams 21 days before each race.

Significance of Pit Boost beyond Formula E

Jeddah is the first venue to witness Formula E teams using Pit Boost on one of the two racing days on February 13 and 14. Teams will also implement their Pit Boost strategies in Berlin, Monaco, Shanghai, Tokyo, as well as the season finale in London.This rapid and efficient booster system gives teams the ability to perform two battery top-ups per race from a 600 kW portable unit, which is not constrained by grid connection.

The system is enhanced by Fortescue Zero’s battery intelligence software, Elysia, which allows for the optimization of speed while also preserving battery life and integrity.The technology has already undergone rigorous development with Pit Boost, delivering over 1.5 MWh of energy across nearly 400 battery top-ups conducted during different races, sessions, and tests in Season 11.Explaining the significance of the Pit Boost strategy, Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo said, “The return of Pit Boost this season reaffirms Formula E’s role as the ultimate real-world laboratory for high-speed innovation.

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, also added, “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.”The Jeddah E-Prix begins on February 12 and will conclude on February 14. It will be followed by the special Formula E EVO Session on March 15.Also read: CUPRA to headline 2026 Madrid E-Prix as Title and Founding Partner