Formula E is back in China, where the series made its start. After an intense qualifying session, Jean-Éric Vergne proved his speed by securing pole position. This marks his 16th pole, equalling Sébastien Buemi’s record. Vergne, who won Formula E’s last visit to China, is set to make a strong impression once again. Who will win the Shanghai E-Prix Race 1?
The Shanghai International Circuit is known for its high-energy demands, requiring drivers to think strategically about when to make their moves, often 10–15 laps ahead. The ideal grid position in such energy-critical races is around fifth to 10th, emphasising the importance of strategy and patience.
Vergne smoothly navigated turn 1 at the start of the Shanghai E-Prix Race 1, side-by-side with Pascal Wehrlein and Oliver Rowland, maintaining his lead. Behind them, António Félix Da Costa challenged Rowland, while Jake Hughes joined Wehrlein in third, setting up a potential team effort for the TAG Heuer Porsche duo.
The race saw fierce battles for position, with drivers unafraid to go side-by-side. Nick Cassidy initially lost a few positions but seemed to be conserving energy for a late-race attack, a strategy that previously led to his Berlin victory.
Wehrlein was the first to activate Attack Mode, temporarily ceding the lead to Robin Frijns, who tactically used his Attack Mode to fall back into the pack. Da Costa took the lead from his teammate, allowing him to activate his Attack Mode and slip back into second.
Mid-Race Strategies and a Dramatic Finish
Mitch Evans pushed hard to reach third, showcasing efficiency with 1% more energy than Frijns. The Andretti duo, Jake Dennis and Norman Nato, demonstrated their slipstream preparation, moving Dennis into fourth and Nato into sixth.
Vergne briefly reclaimed the lead before Wehrlein moved into second and Da Costa used Attack Mode to pass the Jaguar. As Dennis and Evans swapped podium positions, Nyck De Vries surprisingly took the lead, only to be instructed to give it up, resulting in Wehrlein, Evans, and De Vries forming a slipstream train.
Fifteen laps in, the race settled down. Evans used his final Attack Mode to take the lead, with the Porsche duo close behind. Evans’ teammate gradually moved up to sixth from outside the points.
Wehrlein and Da Costa regained the lead, with Wehrlein setting the fastest lap. Evans fell back to conserve energy, while De Vries held fourth. Unfortunately, Eduardo Mortara had to pit due to front wing damage, ending his race.
Mitch Evans emerged as a strong contender, passing the Porsche drivers despite their defensive efforts. With 10 laps remaining, Da Costa tried to take the lead, but Evans defended successfully and was soon joined by Cassidy for some teamwork.
Dennis moved up to fourth with one Attack Mode left, but fell behind Cassidy, who then used his final Attack Mode to challenge Da Costa for third.
Battle to the End
An intense battle ensued between Cassidy, Dennis, Wehrlein, and Evans. Cassidy nearly contacted his teammate Evans while passing Dennis. Energy management played a crucial role, with Wehrlein down 2% compared to Evans. Cassidy, with 10% energy remaining, was instructed to hold position and support Evans.
Wehrlein led the final lap, but Evans overtook him at turn 1, leveraging his energy advantage. Cassidy attempted a move on Wehrlein at turn 6 but couldn’t capitalize on his remaining energy. Evans led from the final corner, fending off side-by-side challenges to secure victory in the first race of the Shanghai E-Prix.
Featured Image Photo by Formula E | Dom Romney