SHANGHAI, May 31 (Xinhua) — Maximilian Gunther delivered a flawless drive to convert pole position into victory in Round 10 of the 2024/25 Formula E World Championship in Shanghai, as DS Penske stunned the paddock with a surprise 1-2 finish.
Gunther’s teammate Jean-Eric Vergne secured second place after a dramatic final-lap overtaking on both Dan Ticktum and Taylor Barnard, sealing the team’s first 1-2 result in Formula E.
Vergne’s decisive move came in the dying moments of the race, lunging down the inside at the final corner to snatch second place away from Barnard. The McLaren youngster nonetheless impressed once again with a composed and competitive drive to third.
Ticktum, who had started a lowly 21st after a disappointing qualifying, mounted a stunning comeback through the field and found himself in podium contention late on. But the Briton was left frustrated as Vergne’s late overtaking bumped him off the rostrum and into fourth.
Championship leader Oliver Rowland was disappointed to bring his Nissan home only fifth, but nevertheless extended his advantage in the title race. The Briton now leads the standings by 86 points, with Barnard moving up to second overall.
The race began with Gunther on pole and Barnard alongside him on the front row. But it was Pascal Wehrlein who made the early headlines, charging into the lead at Turn 1 with a bold sweep around the outside from third.
The German’s time at the front was short-lived, however, as the ever-changing order in the early laps saw positions shuffled constantly – a hallmark of Formula E’s close and strategic racing.
Drivers were juggling two Attack Modes and pit boost activations, with energy management and track position proving decisive.
DS Penske’s fortunes were nearly undone early on, as Vergne made contact with Edoardo Mortara in the final corner of lap two, which triggered a spin for Nick Cassidy.
Both Mortara and Cassidy were forced to pit for repairs, dropping them to the back. Meanwhile, Mitch Evans – already facing an 80-place grid penalty and a 10-second stop-and-go – moved up to 20th as chaos unfolded.
Nico Muller was the first to trigger the pit boost phase, which opened the door for a flurry of strategy plays. By lap 18, all drivers had deployed their Attack Modes, with Gunther emerging back at the front ahead of Wehrlein, Robin Frijns, Rowland and Lucas di Grassi.
From there, Gunther managed his lead expertly, stretching the gap in the closing stages as those behind squabbled for position. The drama came just behind him, as Barnard and Ticktum battled wheel-to-wheel, only for Vergne to pounce at the last moment and leapfrog them both.
Formula E returns to the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday for Round 11 of the 2024/25 season, with rain expected to fall. ■
Formula E Shanghai E-Prix: Expert Analysis of DS PenskeS Stunning 1-2 Finish
The 2024/25 Formula E World Championship witnessed a historic moment in Shanghai as DS Penske secured their first-ever one-two finish. Maximilian Gunther’s victory and Jean-Eric Vergne’s dramatic last-lap overtake have sent ripples through the racing world. To delve deeper into the implications of this race and what it means for the future of Formula E, we spoke with renowned motorsport analyst, Dr. Anya Sharma.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Sharma, thank you for joining us. The Shanghai E-Prix Round 10 was certainly a talking point, especially with DS Penske’s unexpected victory. What were your initial thoughts on the race?
Dr. Anya Sharma: It was a masterclass in strategy and execution from DS Penske. Gunther’s pole-to-victory drive was flawless, but Vergne’s final-lap heroics truly sealed the deal. It underscored the unpredictable and exciting nature of Formula E racing. Guenther’s victory was his second of the Formula E season [2].
Time.news Editor: Vergne’s overtake was indeed spectacular. He passed both Dan Ticktum and Taylor Barnard in the final corner. What dose this say about the level of competition in Formula E?
Dr. Anya Sharma: It highlights just how fierce the competition is. Ticktum’s recovery from 21st to podium contention only to be overtaken at the last moment demonstrates the relentless pressure drivers face. Moreover, Barnard’s remarkable drive as a young McLaren driver shows the talent pool is deepening, constantly challenging the established order.
Time.news Editor: The race saw a lot of strategic plays with Attack Modes and pit boosts. How crucial are these elements to a team’s success in Formula E?
Dr. Anya Sharma: They are absolutely critical. Formula E isn’t just about outright speed; it’s a chess game on wheels. Efficient energy management, smart activation of Attack Modes, and timely pit stops are key to optimizing track position. The article mentions Nico Muller’s early pit boost, triggering complex strategic responses from othre teams. Mastering these elements separates contenders from pretenders. This “peloton style race” is common in Formula E with positions changing each lap [1].
Time.news Editor: Oliver Rowland, the championship leader, finished fifth. Despite not winning, he extended his lead. How meaningful is consistency in a championship like Formula E?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Consistency is paramount.Rowland’s fifth-place finish,though perhaps disappointing for him,still earned him valuable points.Championship wins are built on consistently scoring well, even when the outright pace isn’t ther.His extended lead of 86 points is a testament to his consistent performance throughout the season.
Time.news Editor: There were some incidents, including Vergne’s contact with Mortara and Cassidy’s spin. How do these types of events impact a race, particularly in terms of strategy?
Dr. anya Sharma: Incidents like those always have a cascading effect. They can force teams into early pit stops,disrupt strategies,and create opportunities for others.As an example,Mortara and Cassidy’s misfortune allowed Mitch evans,despite his penalties,to move up the ranks. Reacting quickly and capitalizing on these moments is crucial for success.
Time.news editor: What are your predictions for Round 11 in Shanghai, especially with the forecast of rain?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Rain always throws a wildcard into the mix. it levels the playing field and puts a greater emphasis on driver skill and adaptability. Teams will need to adjust their strategies, focusing on traction and visibility. It might vrey well be anyone’s race, and we might see some surprising results.
Time.news Editor: Any final thoughts for our readers who are keen Formula E enthusiasts?
Dr. Anya Sharma: Keep an eye on the strategic elements of the race. Formula E is more than just a sprint; it’s a complex strategic battle. Understanding how teams manage energy, deploy Attack Modes, and react to changing track conditions will significantly enhance your viewing experience. Also watch out for Mitch Evans, who despite his Shanghai E-prix win, faced a post-race examination [3].
Time.news Editor: Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insightful analysis. We greatly appreciate your time.
Dr. Anya Sharma: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
