In a race defined by strategic precision, late-lap heroics, and renewed momentum, DS PENSKE delivered a masterclass at the 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix — securing the team’s first-ever 1-2 finish in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Maximilian Guenther surged to his first win of the season, while teammate Jean-Éric Vergne carved through the chaos on the final lap of the race to seal second place and capped off a dream day for the French outfit on Chinese soil.
⚡ Guenther’s Gamble Pays Off
Guenther timed his race to perfection, conserving energy early before unleashing a late charge. His decisive move came on Lap 26, exploiting a crucial energy advantage to overtake Nissan’s Oliver Rowland and vault into the lead. The win marked what is a massive turnaround for the German driver, whose recent form had lagged amid DS PENSKE’s mid-season struggles.
“A real masterclass this race… I’m thrilled, especially after the last few weeks when momentum was not on our side,” said Guenther. “This weekend, we certainly got it back.”
🧙♂️ Vergne’s Last-Lap Magic
Jean-Éric Vergne had been flying under the radar until a final-lap burst saw the double champion leapfrog both Taylor Barnard and Dan Ticktum for second at the flag — his first podium of Season 11.
“I really hurt my wrist out there, but I just went for it,” said Vergne. “Holding ATTACK MODE until the end made the difference.”
💥 Barnard Breaks Through, Rowland Holds On
Taylor Barnard once again proved he’s no rookie to overlook. After a strategic push saw him jump from the midfield to lead late on, energy limitations dropped the NEOM McLaren driver to third. Dan Ticktum (CUPRA KIRO) challenged hard but finished fourth, with Rowland shuffled back to fifth despite briefly leading.
Rowland’s result, however, was enough to retain his championship lead at 171 points — still comfortably ahead of Barnard (85) and Pascal Wehrlein (84).
🏩 Formula E Meets Shanghai: Urban Showcase & Celebrity Presence
Beyond the race, Formula E brought its sustainable motorsport mission directly to the heart of Shanghai. In the days leading up to Round 10, Sébastien Buemi piloted the GEN3 Evo through the city’s historic Bund district in a landmark demonstration — the first time an international race car has run through Shanghai’s urban core.
On race day, stars from screen, sport, and social media gathered at the Shanghai International Circuit. Actress and singer Chen Shu waved the chequered flag. At the same time, basketball talent Wu Yonghaoo and mountaineer/documentary director Feng Ge joined VIPs from across China and beyond in taking in the all-electric spectacle.
🌱 A Weekend of Purpose: Sustainability in Action
Formula E utilised its return to Shanghai to underscore its commitment to sustainability and social impact. Highlights included:
- ✅ 100% renewable power via grid energy and HVO biofuels
- 🎓 “Inspiration Hour” community events for over 200 local participants
- 👧 FIA Girls on Track sessions for 120 young women
- 💶 €25,000 donation to the Shanghai Mutual Aid Foundation via the Better Futures Fund
- 🎤 Change. Accelerated. Live. Sessions driving climate leadership in sport
🗓️ Eyes on Sunday: Round 11 Incoming
The second leg of the double-header takes place on Sunday, 1 June. Free Practice begins at 08:00 local, followed by qualifying at 10:20 and the race at 15:05 (07:05 UTC). Another shake-up in the championship standings could be just one overtake away.