Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix | Geneva: DS Automobiles SailGP Team France determined to finish European tour on a high
GENEVA – FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Two weeks after a disappointing Grand Prix in Valencia, DS Automobiles SailGP Team France returns to racing in Geneva determined to bounce back. Since Valencia, the team has analysed its performance and worked on the areas that proved costly, particularly during the starting phases. This weekend, the 13 teams competing in the Rolex SailGP Championship will take to Lake Geneva for the 11th event of the season and the final European Sail Grand Prix of 2026. With another weekend of light winds expected, Quentin Delapierre and his crew will be looking to put into practice the strategy they have worked on over the past two weeks.
Two weeks to prepare for Geneva
In Valencia, DS Automobiles SailGP Team France struggled to find its rhythm in tricky wind conditions. Four of the five scheduled fleet races were completed during an unusual Grand Prix that shook up the established order and produced an unexpected line-up of finalists.
The analysis carried out since then highlighted several key moments during the starting phases, where a matter of seconds and a few crucial decisions had a major impact on the outcome of the races. The team therefore used the two-week break between the two events to review these sequences and make adjustments to its preparation.
Without calling into question the work undertaken over the past several months, Geneva will now provide an opportunity to put those lessons into practice and return to the level of performance shown at previous events, particularly in Sassnitz, where the French team won a fleet race and set a new all-time SailGP speed record of 107.63 km/h.
Quentin Delapierre, Driver of DS Automobiles SailGP Team France:
“Valencia was difficult, but I genuinely believe we are on the right track. The result doesn’t call our process into question. However, we looked very closely at what didn’t work, particularly around the starts. Sometimes it came down to two or three seconds when we didn’t execute the move we had planned, and at this level that is enough to find yourself behind rather than in front. We arrive in Geneva with a lot of determination and, above all, a real desire to fully execute what we have prepared.”
Geneva, a unique racecourse
For its second edition, the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix | Geneva returns to the waters of Lake Geneva on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September. Racing is scheduled from 3:30pm to 5:00pm, with three fleet races planned each day, subject to weather conditions.
Following a sold-out inaugural edition in 2025, SailGP returns with a Race Stadium located right on the waterfront, against the spectacular backdrop of Geneva, the Jet d’Eau and the Alpine landscape.
The characteristics of Lake Geneva will also be an important factor for the teams. Variations in wind strength and direction can require rapid changes in configuration and strategy, making the ability to read the racecourse particularly important.
“Lake Geneva has a real sailing heritage and it is always a pleasure to race here in front of such a knowledgeable crowd. It is also a racecourse that really highlights the essence of our sport: the ability to adapt. The wind can come from very different directions, and you have to make the most of whatever it gives you to get the F50 flying. Last year already delivered a great Sail Grand Prix and I’m convinced that will be the case again this year,” added Quentin Delapierre.
Geneva will mark the final European event of the 2026 season. The championship will then leave Europe for its final two events in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai on 21–22 November, followed by Abu Dhabi on 28–29 November.
A major event for the team’s partners
Beyond the sporting challenge, Geneva will also be an important event for the partners of DS Automobiles SailGP Team France, with a wide range of activations planned throughout the weekend.
The team’s title partner since January 2026, DS Automobiles will use the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix to unveil a unique DS N°4 featuring an exclusive livery inspired by the French F50. The design incorporates the team’s signature colours, Midnight Blue and metallic Gold, creating a direct visual connection with the catamaran competing in the championship.
The lines of the F50’s rigid wing, along with the trajectories and data that drive performance in SailGP, were among the key sources of inspiration behind the design.
The unveiling will form part of a broader programme of experiences and events organised for the team’s partners and guests throughout the Geneva weekend.
Three events to close out the season
With Geneva followed by Dubai and Abu Dhabi, three Sail Grands Prix remain on the 2026 calendar.
For DS Automobiles SailGP Team France, this final part of the season will be an opportunity to build on the progress made throughout the year and translate it more consistently into results. In Geneva, the objective is straightforward: deliver a strong Grand Prix and finish the European tour with a performance that reflects the team’s ambitions.
