Formula E changes Mexico City circuit: Full Formula 1 layout to be used in 2027

Formula E is making a major change to its Mexico City circuit for the Gen4 era: In 2027, the series will use the full Formula 1 layout of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the first time. However, the two configurations will not be identical, as an additional chicane will be installed on the start-finish straight. The route through the Foro Sol will change as well, with consequences for the famous Peraltada.

The new Mexico City E-Prix layout features 22 corners. With Formula E adding an extra chicane to the 4.304-kilometre Grand Prix circuit, the final lap length is expected to be slightly longer. For comparison, the much more compact layout used for the January 2026 race measured just 2.608 kilometres and featured 16 corners.

Plans for a major change ahead of the Gen4 era have been known for several weeks. Back in August, reports emerged that Formula E was planning to use the full Formula 1 circuit. An additional chicane on the start-finish straight was already under consideration at the time. The circuit map now released alongside the start of ticket sales confirms those plans.

The existing shortcut will therefore disappear. Instead of turning towards the infield early in the lap, the drivers will continue along the long straight before following the Formula 1 layout from there.

New chicane on the start-finish straight

There is one key difference between the new Formula E circuit and the Formula 1 layout. The additional chicane is located roughly where Turn 1 of the previous Formula E circuit and the shortcut away from the Grand Prix track were situated.

There is also a technical reason for its inclusion. The additional braking zone gives the significantly more powerful Gen4 cars another opportunity to recover energy. An official lap length for the new configuration has yet to be announced.

The change is substantial. On the previous layout, the opening corner was followed by a long left-hander and a short technical section that took the circuit back towards the Foro Sol. Formula E itself described the configuration used in 2026 as one of the faster tracks on that season's calendar.

Formula E adopts Formula 1 exit from Foro Sol

There is another important change at the other end of the lap. Formula E will continue to race through the Foro Sol. The entry into the stadium section already matches the one used by Formula 1 and will remain unchanged.

The exit, however, will be different. Until now, Formula E left the Foro Sol on the same side from which the cars had entered the stadium section. The drivers then rejoined the permanent circuit before completing the full Peraltada.

In 2027, Formula E will instead adopt Formula 1's exit from the Foro Sol. The cars will leave the stadium at a different point and rejoin the permanent circuit midway through the Peraltada. As a result, only roughly the second half of the famous corner will be used in future.

This means that Formula E's route through the Foro Sol will fully match the current Formula 1 configuration for the first time in 2027.

New circuit suits faster Gen4 era

The change coincides with the introduction of the Gen4 car. The new generation will produce up to 600 kW and, according to Formula E, reach a top speed of 335 km/h. When presenting the Season 13 calendar, the championship already explained that the Gen4's increased performance and speed place greater demands on circuits, contributing to a stronger focus on established permanent venues.

That trend can also be seen elsewhere on the 2026/27 calendar. The Circuit of The Americas in Austin and Zandvoort join the championship, while the London E-Prix moves from ExCeL London to the historic Brands Hatch circuit.

The Mexico City E-Prix will take place on 16 January 2027, serving as the third race of the season following the Jeddah double-header in December. Ticket sales for the event opened on Wednesday.