The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship makes its high-voltage return to Jakarta this Saturday, as Round 12 of the season takes over the vibrant Ancol Beach street circuit. For the first time, Indonesia will witness the GEN3 Evo in action, as 22 world-class drivers battle it out under the searing tropical sun in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities.
The 2.37km, 18-turn circuit weaves through Southeast Asia’s largest park and brings a potent mix of banked corners, high-speed blasts and tight braking zones. From the sweeping run through Turn 1 to the hairpin at Turn 13 and the awkward final left at Turn 18, drivers will need precision and composure to extract performance in the heat and humidity. The undulating surface, combined with changeable grip levels, is likely to catch out even seasoned campaigners.
Jakarta hasn’t hosted a race since Season 9 in 2024, when the city staged its first-ever Formula E double-header. That weekend produced two very different but equally dramatic races. Pascal Wehrlein took a hard-fought win for Porsche on Saturday after a strategic duel with Jake Dennis, while Maximilian Günther stole the show on Sunday. The German not only delivered Maserati’s first single-seater win since Juan Manuel Fangio’s legendary 1957 triumph, but also proved his skill in adapting to an evolving track across the weekend.
“I’m really excited to return to Jakarta,” said Günther. “This circuit holds very special memories for me, especially after the success here two years ago. The intense heat adds an extra challenge, but the fans and the atmosphere make it one of the most special races of the year.”
Season 11 has delivered one of the most unpredictable and tightly fought campaigns in Formula E’s history. Across the first 11 rounds, seven different drivers have stood on the top step of the podium, and fifteen have claimed podium finishes. Nissan Formula E Team’s Oliver Rowland is currently in formidable form, holding a 68-point lead over his nearest challenger, TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein. Rowland’s campaign has been defined by both consistency and raw pace, with four victories and three second-place finishes already under his belt.
Behind them, the championship remains wide open. Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy are both in touch, while Jake Dennis and António Félix da Costa have shown glimpses of brilliance. Newcomer Taylor Barnard has impressed with NEOM McLaren, showing racecraft and maturity beyond his years and proving that the GEN3 Evo car has levelled the playing field more than ever before.
The GEN3 Evo itself represents a major evolution in Formula E technology. With improved power delivery, increased regeneration capacity, and an even more aggressive aerodynamic package, the car is faster, sharper, and more engaging to drive. Jakarta will test these upgrades to their limit, especially in the technical middle sector where traction and energy efficiency are critical.
But Jakarta is more than just a racetrack this weekend. Formula E is bringing its full sustainability and entertainment offering to the city. The Fan Village will feature live DJ sets from local icons Dipha Barus, Una, and Patricia Schuldtz, while younger fans can explore interactive exhibits and workshops that promote environmental education and clean energy solutions.
This year’s legacy programme is deeply rooted in local engagement. From a high-profile beach clean-up with drivers and teams, to a donation of trees and plants post-race, the event is committed to leaving a lasting impact. A €25,000 donation from the Better Futures Fund will support Yayasan Perempuan dan Anak Amirah, helping to empower women and people with disabilities in climate leadership roles. The programme includes the creation of a climate sign language glossary in Bisindo.
The FIA Girls on Track initiative will also return, with 120 young women from Jakarta taking part in workshops, simulator experiences, pit lane walks and a special trophy presentation. This reinforces Formula E’s commitment to gender equity and long-term career access in motorsport and STEM industries.
Educational outreach continues throughout the week. On Tuesday, delegates will visit the Waste4Change recycling centre. On Wednesday, the team will engage with local school students through panel talks, art collaborations and environmental workshops. Thursday features a large-scale beach clean-up, and on race day itself, a plant donation ceremony will mark the event’s sustainable closure.
With three rounds remaining after Jakarta, including a double-header in Berlin, the championship is still wide open. Can Oliver Rowland stretch his advantage? Will Günther rekindle the magic of 2023? Or will a new name rise in the most competitive field Formula E has ever seen?
The 2025 Sarinah Jakarta E-Prix begins Saturday, 21 June at 15:05 local time (08:05 UTC), following qualifying at 10:20 and Free Practice earlier that morning.