Rain-hit Shanghai E-Prix sees records tumble in historic Formula E double-header

A rain-hit Shanghai E-Prix weekend turned into one of the most memorable events in Formula E history, producing several record-breaking moments, a dramatic championship twist and the oldest race winner the series has ever seen.

The two races at the Shanghai International Circuit tested drivers with changing weather, slippery conditions and drying tracks. The double-header also reshaped the drivers' title battle with only four races left this season. Pasca Wehrlein's victory helped him regain the lead in the drivers' championship ahead of Jaguar's Mitch Evans with four races remaining before the season finale in London.

Shanghai was the toughest weekend of the season

Ten teams and 20 drivers took on one of the biggest challenges on the Formula E calendar as heavy rain and changing grip levels made racing unpredictable."Shanghai is one of the more demanding events on the Formula E calendar because it combines sustained lateral loading, summer heat, humidity, and the demands of a double-header," said Manfred Sandbichler, senior motorsport director for tyre supplier Hankook.

"Running two races on the same circuit in summer conditions placed additional emphasis on tyre consistency and durability, particularly as teams faced rain, drying conditions and evolving grip levels across the weekend," he added.

Pascal Wehrlein wins in the rain

Saturday's wet race ended with Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein taking victory. Jaguar TCS Racing's Antonio Felix Da Costa finished second, while Andretti's Jake Dennis completed the podium.Dennis, the 2022-23 Formula E champion and winner of last month's Sanya E-Prix, raced with a Chinese-inspired helmet featuring a red-and-gold dragon design that he partly created using an AI program.

History made on Sunday

Sunday started behind the safety car because of continuous rain before the weather changed completely and the track dried quickly.

The changing conditions helped drivers who had set up their cars for drier weather move rapidly through the field.

Andretti rookie Felipe Drugovich grabbed his first Formula E pole position but could not convert it into a podium finish. The biggest story of the day came from Lucas di Grassi. The Brazilian guided Lola-Yamaha Abt to its first-ever Formula E victory, making history for the team. The win also made the 41-year-old the oldest driver ever to win an E-Prix, just months after announcing that he will retire at the end of the season.Jean-Eric Vergne finished second, whileLucas Di Grassi on Shanghai E-Prix victory: “I won the first race in China, there's nothing better than winning my last” Envision Racing's Joel Eriksson claimed third for his maiden Formula E podium.Also read: Lucas Di Grassi on Shanghai E-Prix victory: “I won the first race in China, there's nothing better than winning my last”