Discover more
Feature by Katy Fairman
The first race of the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E season is almost upon us, as the championship kicks off Season 12 with a visit to Brazil. The 2025 São Paulo E-Prix promises to be a blockbuster event, with incredible racing for all motorsport fans.
Where does Formula E race in São Paulo?
Formula E races on the Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit when we visit Brazil. Our street circuit in São Paulo finds itself in the heart of the populous Brazilian city.
Built around the Anhembi Sambadrome, known as the Polo Cultural e Esportivo Grande Otelo to locals, the venue is one of São Paulo's largest outdoor venues. It opened back in 1991, and holds a capacity of over 100,000 people.
MEET THE GRID: Which drivers are racing in Formula E in 2025/26?
The main straight is where the carnivals are usually hosted, but for race weekends there’s toe tapping of another kind as our grid of 20 drivers take to the track.
A lap of this circuit is a fun and thrilling experience, with a huge straight that is traditionally used for carnival processions. From here, drivers quickly transition from high speeds to aggressive braking as they make their way around the first few corners. This sequence leads into a hairpin, which launches the field onto the subsequent long straight.
This straight is then interrupted by a challenging right-left-right corner combination, which then takes them into another high-speed run before they reach Turn 7. The final part of the lap offers key overtaking opportunities, before they reach the finish.
JOIN US: Buy your tickets for Formula E in Season 12
Overall, this unique 11-turn, 2.933km circuit is defined by massive straights and critical braking zones, ensuring plenty of overtaking and demanding energy management.
Best overtaking spots in São Paulo
Last year Mitch Evans’ and Jaguar TCS Racing managed to complete the championship’s first last-to-first victory in incredible scenes. The race had five different race leaders and 111 overtakes on the debut of the GEN3 Evo machines.
There are so many spots to make up places, with a mix of long straight and heavy braking zones.
REWIND: 10 of the best moments from the São Paulo E-Prix
Turn 1 is a popular overtaking zone, as drivers have the whole main straight to slipstream their rivals and make a move as they come to the end of the longest flat-out section on the Formula E calendar. We have also seen plenty of passes as cars approach Turn 4 and the chicane.
The final sector is also where we have seen some of the most spectacular moves in Formula E, including Sam Bird’s move for the lead on the final lap in Season 10. Oliver Rowland also snatched third place in the same race, managing a double overtake in the final corner in 2024.
Energy management is crucial
Of course, managing energy is a vital part of racing in Formula E but it’s a partially tough challenge here at the Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit. The São Paulo E-Prix generates a lot of tight racing, with the drivers staying in packs as they try to benefit from the slipstream of other cars to save energy.
Heat is also high, with battery temperatures being a big talking point and the potential for performance to be impacted as a result. There are so many talking points to look out for.
SCHEDULE: Where, when and how to watch or stream the 2025 São Paulo E-Prix
The São Paulo E-Prix Round 1 gets underway on Friday 5 December with Free Practice 1, ahead of race day on Saturday 6 December. Make sure you don't miss a moment, as we get ready to kickstart Season 12 with one of the best races of the year.
WATCH: How to watch or stream ABB Formula E's São Paulo E-Prix weekend where you are
Find out more
UNMISSABLE: Watch the brand-new season of 'Driver' on Amazon Prime
CALENDAR: Here's every race set for the 2025/26 Formula E season
FOLLOW: Download the Formula E App on iOS or Android
TICKETS: Secure your grandstand seats and buy Formula E race tickets
HIGHLIGHTS: Catch up with every race from Formula E IN FULL
HOSPITALITY: Experience Formula E and world-class motorsport as a VIP