DS Penske Stunned by Last-Lap Drama in Shanghai Formula E

Maximilian Günther delivered a commanding performance at the Shanghai E-Prix, securing his second Formula E victory of the season. Starting from pole position, Günther managed to lead much of the race and held his ground against stiff competition.

The day ended with a dramatic finish as DS Penske celebrated an unexpected one-two, with Jean-Eric Vergne making a decisive late move to clinch second place. In the final corners, Vergne overtook both Dan Ticktum and Taylor Barnard, pushing his team into the spotlight and sealing the team’s best finish of the year.

Dan Ticktum, after lining up in 21st position on the grid, surged through the field to battle for a podium in the closing stages. Despite his impressive charge, Ticktum had to settle for fourth.

Taylor Barnard, who started beside Günther on the front row, was overtaken by Vergne in the final moments and finished third. Meanwhile, championship leader Oliver Rowland crossed the line in fifth place.

Rowland’s result allowed him to extend his advantage in the standings, now holding 86 points more than Barnard. The race at the Shanghai International Circuit saw several position changes right from the start.

Pascal Wehrlein launched a bold move from third, briefly taking the lead on the opening lap. However, the order quickly shuffled as drivers made use of two attack modes and pit boost options.

On lap two, a late effort by Vergne caused contact with Edoardo Mortara, who spun after being hit and collected Nick Cassidy in the aftermath. This incident brought Mortara and Cassidy into the pits for repairs and affected the order in the midfield.

Mitch Evans moved up to 20th after serving an 80-place grid penalty and a 10-second stop-and-go. Strategy played a pivotal role, with every driver taking their required attack modes by lap 18.

Günther briefly lost the lead but regained it as pit boost maneuvers unfolded, with Andretti’s Nico Müller initiating a string of activity. As the laps counted down, Günther established a gap at the front and managed the remainder of the race with composure.

Behind him, Gutierrez, Wehrlein, Robin Frijns, Rowland, and Lucas di Grassi fought for positions, with strategic calls sometimes causing confusion. Rowland notably questioned his Nissan team’s radio during a late pit stop for a boost.

The final laps produced some of the most intense racing of the day. In the last corners, Vergne made his decisive overtake on Barnard and Ticktum, cementing the double podium finish for DS Penske.

The results marked a strong statement for the team, which had not achieved a one-two before in Formula E this season. Rowland, despite not matching the pace at the front, increased his championship lead thanks to his consistent points finish.

Attention now shifts to the upcoming events on the Formula 1 calendar. The next race is the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya on June 1.

Fans are also looking forward to action in Canada, Austria, Britain, and Belgium as the season progresses into summer. The Shanghai E-Prix has set a high bar for strategy and racecraft, promising more close battles as the series continues.

Additionally, many enthusiasts are reflecting on recent developments in F1, including insights into Sainz’s fears in Monaco which add depth to the context of racing rivalries and driver challenges.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.