Gary Paffett predicts the 2026 Berlin E-Prix
CUPRA KIRO’s Racing Director, Gary Paffett, shares his expert insights to predict the 2026 Berlin E-Prix, in collaboration with Duelbits
Germany’s Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit has been a mainstay on the FIA Formula E World Championship calendar since Season 1, but despite hosting all but one of the 22 editions of the Berlin E-Prix to date, the track still presents a challenge for drivers and teams alike.
Abrasive, energy critical, and the site of some of the most action-packed Formula E races in history, in Berlin, the only thing to expect is the unexpected, and with two races set to take place at Tempelhof this weekend, 2026 won’t buck the trend.
CUPRA KIRO’s Racing Director and two-time DTM champion, Gary Paffett, is one of the most experienced voices in the Formula E paddock, and in collaboration with Duelbits, shares his perspective on what might happen in Berlin…
We’ll See Overtaking Everywhere
“Berlin is one of those tracks where drivers actually have the space to race one another side-by-side. The high number of wide corners means that we’ll see overtakes into Turns 2, 6 and 9 consistently, but once Attack Mode comes into play, the speed delta will open even more opportunities. We won’t just see drivers defending one line – at certain points, they’ll be covering three at a time.”
Expect Two Completely Different Races
“With Pit Boost featuring in Race 1 on Saturday, we’re essentially preparing for a strategic chess match in which we know that timing the stop, and Attack Mode, will define the race. Sunday will flip the script completely, and in Race 2, we’ll see a traditional Formula E race with lots of energy management. It’s the same track, but we’ll need totally different mindsets over the two days.”
Expect Chaos
“Although Formula E has held 21 races at Tempelhof, the track still has a habit of catching drivers out. Because the margins are small and the racing is very close, it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw multiple Full Course Yellow or Safety Car periods across the weekend.”
A Late Attack Mode Will be the Winning Move
“If there was one thing that we learned from Madrid, it’s that patience with Attack Mode pays off. In Race 1, taking Attack Mode in the closing stages of the race could be the key to moving forward when it really counts, especially with Pit Boost in the mix.”
Tyres Will Be Under Pressure
“Berlin’s track surface is deceptively tough on tyres. It’s highly abrasive and overheating can creep in very quickly. The long triple-apex section through Turns 12, 13 and 14 is where it really adds up and if the drivers don’t manage the tyres appropriately, they’ll feel it everywhere else during the lap.”