Formula E will make its long‑awaited return to Hainan in 2026, with Sanya confirmed as a host for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship on June 20, 2026. This marks the electric racing series’ comeback to the island after a seven‑year absence, having last raced there in March 2019, a hiatus extended by the COVID‑19 pandemic and subsequent scheduling disruptions.
Sanya Secures Spot in Formula E’s Largest Season Yet
The return of the Sanya E‑Prix was ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council and is included in the 2025–26 season calendar, which features a record‑breaking 17 races across 11 cities.
Sanya’s inclusion highlights both its scenic location on Hainan’s southern coast and its role in Formula E’s expanding Asian footprint.
Circuit Upgrades: A Faster, More Technical Layout
The 2026 edition of the Sanya E‑Prix will take place at the same venue used in 2019, but with significant modifications designed to enhance racing dynamics:
Turn 1/2 hairpin replaced with a 45‑degree left‑hander.
New elevation change between Turns 1 and 2, leading into a sequence of progressive left‑hand corners and a 200‑meter straight.
The straight reconnects with the original layout via a reshaped Turn 5.
The tight chicane at Turn 10 removed, replaced by a long, sweeping right‑hander made possible by the removal of a traffic island.
These changes are expected to improve overtaking opportunities and deliver a more exciting on‑track product for fans and drivers alike.
Hainan’s Role in Regional Motorsport
The Sanya E‑Prix will form part of a five‑race Asian leg of the season, grouped with double‑header events in Shanghai (July 4–5, 2026) and Tokyo (July 25–26, 2026). This regional cluster is designed to streamline logistics and maximize media coverage across Asia.
Jakarta’s Exit Opened the Door
The 2026 calendar slot assigned to Sanya was originally intended for Jakarta, Indonesia, but plans to relocate that race to a new venue in central Jakarta stalled. Negotiations did not finalize in time, and Jakarta was dropped from the 2025–26 calendar, though Formula E has indicated interest in returning there in the future.
The Sanya E‑Prix’s provides Hainan with another opportunity to showcase itself on the global sporting stage, this time with a faster, more technical circuit designed to thrill.
Related article: 2025 Hainan (Sanya) Marathon Set for December 28
