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Formula 1 & Open-Wheel

How does a Formula E race weekend work?

Most Formula E rounds are single-day E-Prix — practice, knockout Duels qualifying, then a fixed-duration race with mandatory Attack Mode.

Unlike most championships, a Formula E round — an E-Prix — is usually compressed into a single day, from first practice to the chequered flag.

Practice comes first, then a distinctive knockout qualifying format. The field splits into two groups, each setting times to decide a running order; the fastest four from each group then advance to the Duels — a one-on-one, head-to-head knockout bracket that settles the front of the grid and pole position.

The race itself runs to a fixed duration rather than a set number of laps, so drivers must balance outright pace against energy use right to the end. Two electric-era twists shape the strategy:

  • Attack Mode is mandatory. Drivers arm an extra burst of power by steering off the racing line through a marked activation zone, trading track position for a temporary performance boost.
  • At selected "Pit Boost" rounds, drivers must also make a mandatory in-race stop for a fast charge.

The result is a weekend built around split-second qualifying duels and constant energy-management gambles — a format found nowhere else in single-seater racing.

Curated and fact-checked by Paris Paraskevas. Last updated 10 July 2026.