Madrid, Spain – Opel is set to join the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship starting with the 2026/27 season, marking a significant step for the German automaker into all-electric racing. The announcement, made at a press conference near Madrid, confirms Opel’s commitment to an electric future and introduces the Opel GSE Formula E Team to the grid. This move comes as DS Automobiles concludes its Formula E participation, opening the door for Stellantis to showcase its electric motorsport capabilities through Opel.
Opel’s Electric Ambitions Take Center Stage
The timing of Opel’s entry coincides with the debut of the GEN4 race cars, a new generation promising substantial performance gains. Opel CEO Florian Huettl emphasized the strategic importance of this timing, stating, “Entering Formula E marks a new milestone for Opel on our journey to an electric future. With the transition to the GEN4 cars, we see this as the ideal moment to join this exciting category. Our team will showcase what our brand stands for: German engineering, bold design, and electrified performance.”
This venture isn’t simply about racing. it’s about translating track technology to road-going vehicles. Engineers will leverage the insights gained from Formula E competition to refine models like the Mokka GSE and the upcoming Corsa GSE, slated for release in 2026. The goal is to demonstrate the full potential of electric vehicles, echoing the performance legacy of Opel’s past successes in rallying and the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM).
The GEN4 Era: A Leap in Electric Performance
The GEN4 cars represent a significant leap forward in electric racing technology. These new machines will boast a maximum power output of 600 kW (816 horsepower), a 250 kW increase over the previous generation. Adding to the performance gains, the GEN4 cars will feature permanent all-wheel drive, promising enhanced grip and acceleration. Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, welcomed Opel to the series, noting, “We are delighted to welcome Opel as a new official team. As a strong German brand, with distinctive engineering expertise and a fresh, bold image, Opel brings a long and rich history in motorsport and a new dynamic to the starting grid.”
From Rally Stages to City Streets
Opel’s commitment to electric motorsport isn’t new. For the past five years, the brand has pioneered electric rallying with the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, the world’s first all-electric, one-make rally championship. This experience forms a solid foundation for the Formula E program. Jörg Schrott, Head of Motorsport at Opel, will lead the Opel GSE Formula E Team, integrating the expertise of Stellantis Motorsport with Opel’s engineering DNA.
“What started five years ago with the establishment of the first electric rally championship is now reaching its peak with participation in the FIA World Championship,” Schrott explained. The team is already working diligently to prepare for the 2026/27 season.
The public will get its first look at the GEN4 cars in April at the official launch event at the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet, France. This event will unveil the livery and overall design of the new Opel GSE Formula E Team’s race car, signaling the start of a new era for the brand in electric competition.
Opel’s entry into Formula E marks a strategic move for Stellantis, allowing the automotive group to compete with its own team for the first time in the series’ history. The decision follows DS Automobiles’ announcement to focus its sponsorship on other motorsports, creating an opportunity for Opel to step into the spotlight. With Porsche too expanding its commitment to two works teams, the GEN4 era promises a highly competitive field of twelve teams.
This isn’t just about racing; it’s about demonstrating the capabilities of electric vehicle technology and showcasing Opel’s commitment to a sustainable future. The lessons learned on the track will undoubtedly influence the development of future electric vehicles, benefiting drivers on the road.
The Opel GSE Formula E Team’s debut in the 2026/27 season is eagerly anticipated by fans and industry observers alike. The combination of Opel’s engineering prowess, the innovative GEN4 technology, and the excitement of Formula E promises a thrilling new chapter in electric motorsport.
The next key date for fans to mark is April, when the official launch of the GEN4 cars at Paul Ricard will provide a first glimpse of the new Opel team and its challenger. Keep an eye on official Formula E channels and Opel’s website for further updates and announcements as the 2026/27 season approaches.
