Andretti Formula E enters the penultimate race weekend of Season 12 with momentum firmly on its side as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Japan for the 2026 Tokyo E-Prix.
The championship will make history by holding its first night race in Japan, with the drivers taking on the 2.575-kilometre, 18-turn street circuit around Tokyo Big Sight. Long straights, technical corner combinations and demanding braking zones will test the drivers’ precision and confidence, while energy management could prove decisive across the double-header.
Andretti arrives in Tokyo third in the Teams’ Championship after collecting 38 points during a strong weekend in Shanghai. Jake Dennis remains in contention for the Drivers’ Championship, while Felipe Drugovich continues to build momentum after securing his maiden Formula E pole position in China.
The team will also introduce a striking new look through its collaboration with Japanese automotive brand Liberty Walk. Both Porsche 99X Electric cars will feature one-off chrome liveries inspired by Liberty Walk’s famous Silhouette builds, alongside special race suits, team clothing and merchandise.
Dennis remains determined to fight for the title
Dennis strengthened his championship challenge in Shanghai by returning to the podium and helping Andretti climb to third in the Teams’ standings.
Although the Season 9 World Champion recognises that he faces a difficult task in the remaining races, he intends to capitalise on every available opportunity as the campaign approaches its conclusion.
“Shanghai was a really positive weekend for us and getting on the podium again was exactly what we needed. Obviously, we’re still outsiders in the Drivers’ Championship, but as long as there’s a chance, we’ll keep fighting. At this stage of the season, it’s all about maximizing every opportunity, scoring as many points as possible and putting ourselves in the best position we can as we head into the final races.”
Dennis relishes Tokyo challenge and Liberty Walk collaboration
Dennis already has positive memories of racing in the Japanese capital. He finished third during Formula E’s first visit to Tokyo in Season 10 and has out-qualified each of his Andretti team-mates at the circuit.
The British driver believes the demanding layout rewards commitment, while the introduction of night racing should add another dimension to the event.
“Tokyo has been a circuit I’ve enjoyed since it joined the calendar. We had a strong result there in Season 10 and it’s a track that really rewards commitment and confidence. Racing under the lights for the first time in Japan is going to make it even more special and I’m really looking forward to experiencing that atmosphere. It’s also fantastic to be racing with the Liberty Walk special livery this weekend. The cars look incredible so hopefully we can put on a great show for the fans and give them a result to celebrate.”
Drugovich targets further progress after maiden pole
Drugovich heads to Tokyo as one of the championship’s most consistent performers. The Brazilian has finished inside the top 10 in each of the previous six races and has scored more points than any other driver across the last five E-Prix.
His maiden Formula E pole position in Shanghai provided another significant milestone during an impressive first full campaign with Andretti. Drugovich has now scored 65 championship points, becoming Dennis’ first team-mate to surpass 50 points in a season since Maximilian Günther in Season 7.
“It’s great to arrive in Tokyo carrying good momentum. Shanghai was another really encouraging weekend for us, with my first pole in the series and more solid points. I feel like we’re continuing to make progress every time we go racing. The consistency we’ve shown recently is something we’ve worked really hard for, and it’s giving me a lot of confidence heading into the final part of the season. Everyone in the team has done a fantastic job, and now the goal is to keep fighting at the front and continue that momentum in Tokyo.”
Drugovich excited for first Formula E appearance in Tokyo
The Tokyo double-header will mark Drugovich’s first Formula E appearance in the Japanese capital and his sixth and seventh races in Asia.
The continent has already played an important role in his Andretti campaign, with more than half of his championship points coming from races in Asia. As a passionate car enthusiast, Drugovich also welcomed the opportunity to represent Andretti’s collaboration with Liberty Walk on the brand’s home soil.
“This will be my first Formula E race in Tokyo, and doing it under the lights makes it even more exciting. I’ve always loved visiting Japan, and it’s a place I really enjoy coming back to, so it’s special to be racing here. As a car enthusiast, the Liberty Walk collaboration is something I’m really excited about as well. It gives the weekend a unique feel, and I’m sure the fans are going to love it. Hopefully, we can reward all the support with another strong result and keep scoring valuable points for the team.”
Shanghai performance lifts Andretti into championship top three
Andretti Formula E Team Principal Roger Griffiths praised the squad’s work in Shanghai after both drivers scored points in each race of the double-header.
Dennis’ podium and Drugovich’s maiden pole helped the American team move into third place in the Teams’ Championship with 174 points. However, with two race weekends remaining, Griffiths believes Andretti still has plenty to fight for.
“Coming out of the Shanghai weekend, our hard work paid off with more points from another back-to-back double points finish, Jake’s podium along with Felipe’s maiden Formula E pole position. These results helped move the team into third overall in the Teams’ Championship, but there is still much more to be fought for as we enter the penultimate event in Tokyo.”
Andretti prepares for a demanding night race in Tokyo
Tokyo’s compact street circuit leaves little margin for error. The walls define the track limits, while the sequence from Turns 1 to 8 gives the drivers limited time to recover or adjust their approach.
Changes in surface, bumps, high temperatures and the proximity of the barriers will create further challenges during the weekend. Griffiths expects the night-time setting and Andretti’s Liberty Walk livery to make the event particularly memorable.
“Tokyo is fast proving to be a favorite with all that attend and this year should be no exception, especially for the Andretti Formula E team where we will be racing under the lights in a one-off livery celebrating the partnership with Liberty Walk, the iconic Japanese car tuning and lifestyle brand. We have seen in the past that Tokyo is a challenging circuit, the walls are the track limits and will punish those that overstep the mark. The 18 corners in just under three kilometers is not going to give the drivers much rest, especially through Turns 1 to 8. The combination of surfaces changes, bumps, the proximity of the walls and now the heat in July will keep drivers on their toes.“
“With the city of Tokyo seeking to revitalize its famous nightlife, the night race at the Big Sight is the ideal place to be and the Andretti Formula E team certainly hopes to be lighting up the night skies when the checkered flag is waved at the end of the race.”
