Opel has officially confirmed its entry into the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship from the 2026/27 season, signalling a decisive step in its electrification journey. The German manufacturer will compete as a factory outfit under the Opel GSE Formula E Team banner, bringing its engineering pedigree into the world’s fastest-growing motorsport category.
Importantly, this move comes independently, just after DS Automobiles announced its exit from Formula E at the end of the current 2025/2026 season. However, Opel will not take over DS’s entry and instead joins the championship under its own licence.
At the announcement event in Madrid, Opel CEO Florian Huettl declared: “Joining Formula E marks a new milestone for Opel on our journey towards an electric future.”
Opel takes a strategic leap Into electric racing with 2026/2027 Formula E entry
Opel views Formula E as the perfect platform to showcase its next-generation electric performance identity. As the championship prepares to introduce GEN4 machinery, the timing aligns perfectly with Opel’s ambitions.
Huettl emphasised the importance of this transition, stating: “With Formula E moving to GEN4 cars as of the coming season, we see this as the ideal time to join this exciting, all-electric racing competition. Our Opel GSE Formula E Team will show what our brand stands for: German engineering, bold design and electrified performance, attributes that also apply to Opel’s fully-electric GSE models such as the Mokka GSE and soon the new Corsa GSE.”
Meanwhile, Formula E leadership welcomed the move. Jeff Dodds said: “We are delighted to welcome Opel as a new factory team in Formula E. As a strong German brand with distinctive engineering expertise and a fresh, bold image, Opel brings a long and storied history in motorsport and a new dynamic to the starting grid. Opel’s commitment also shows the importance of Formula E for global car manufacturers in the transition to electric mobility.”
GEN4 Era brings new performance frontier
The upcoming GEN4 regulations represent the most significant technical leap in Formula E history. The new cars will deliver up to 600 kW (816 hp) in qualifying and attack mode—an increase of 250 kW over previous generations.
Additionally, engineers will introduce permanent all-wheel drive, dramatically improving grip and performance. At the same time, energy recovery capacity will rise to 700 kW, further enhancing efficiency and race strategy.
Consequently, Opel enters the championship at a moment when innovation, speed and sustainability converge more than ever before.
Opel building on electric motorsport foundations for 2026/2027 Formula E entry
Opel does not enter Formula E without preparation. Over the past five years, the brand has steadily built expertise in electric motorsport, beginning with the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup in 2021—the world’s first all-electric one-make rally series.
Now, Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott leads preparations for the new Formula E programme. Reflecting on this journey, he stated: “What began five years ago with the establishment of the first electric rally cup is now reaching its peak with the participation in the FIA World Championship”.
Furthermore, Opel continues to expand its rally efforts with the Mokka GSE Rally, reinforcing its commitment to electric competition across disciplines.
GSE identity connects road and track
Opel’s Formula E entry also strengthens the identity of its GSE (Grand Sport Electric) sub-brand. The company actively links its racing programme with its high-performance road cars, including the Mokka GSE and the upcoming Corsa GSE.
Through its “OMG! GSE” campaign, Opel aims to translate motorsport excitement into customer-facing innovation. As a result, the brand creates a cohesive narrative between racetrack performance and everyday electric mobility.
Opel looking ahead to their 2026/2027 Formula E debut season
Before the championship begins its 13th season, Opel will unveil its Formula E identity during the GEN4 launch event at Circuit Paul Ricard in April. This debut will offer fans and competitors a first look at the team’s visual identity and technical direction.
Ultimately, Opel’s arrival signals a fresh chapter not only for the brand but also for Formula E itself. By combining decades of motorsport heritage with cutting-edge electric technology, Opel positions itself at the forefront of the sport’s next evolution.
