Formula E - Shanghai E-Prix (Round 12)

The Shanghai E-Prix (Round 12) brings formula-e racing to the Shanghai International Circuit for the second time in the championship's history. This event marks a key moment in Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, officially known as the Hankook Shanghai E-Prix. The race returns to Shanghai as part of a double-header weekend, featuring two separate races that showcase the Gen3 Evo cars on one of motorsport's most distinctive permanent circuits.

Shanghai International Circuit Layout

The Shanghai International Circuit uses a modified layout for formula-e competition, measuring 3.051 kilometers with 12 turns. Hermann Tilke designed the original circuit, which opened in 2004. The formula-e configuration uses a variation of the "West Long circuit" layout that differs from the full Formula 1 track.

The track layout creates a unique visual pattern from above, resembling the Chinese character '上' (shang), which means "ascend". The circuit diverges from the full track around Turn 9, cutting through the infield to connect with the start-finish straight partway through the pit entry road. This section incorporates a chicane that adds technical challenge. The Attack Mode activation zone sits on the outside of the long right-hander at Turn 2, giving drivers strategic options during the race.

Track Characteristics

The 1.8-mile circuit combines high-speed straights with tight corners. This mix provides multiple overtaking opportunities for drivers. The layout tests both driver skill and car performance across different racing scenarios. The permanent circuit offers wider track space compared to typical formula-e street circuits, allowing for different racing dynamics and wheel-to-wheel battles.

Race Format

The Shanghai E-Prix runs as a double-header event with two separate races. Each race day includes its own qualifying session and race. The format gives teams and drivers two chances to score points across the weekend. Season 12 represents the longest championship calendar in formula-e history, with 18 rounds spread across 12 weekends. Shanghai joins several other cities hosting double-header events during the season.

Teams and Drivers

The 2026 season features 11 teams and 22 drivers competing at the Shanghai International Circuit. All teams use the Gen3 Evo car equipped with Hankook tires. The season includes several notable changes, with Citroën Racing joining the championship and McLaren Formula E Team exiting the series.

Confirmed Participants

Andretti Formula E fields Jake Dennis and Felipe Drugovich, with Drugovich making his full-season debut. Citroën Racing runs Jean-Éric Vergne and Nick Cassidy as its driver lineup. Cupra Kiro features Josep Maria Martí and Dan Ticktum. DS Penske competes with Maximilian Günther and Taylor Barnard.

Envision Racing enters Sébastien Buemi and Joel Eriksson. Jaguar TCS Racing pairs Mitch Evans with António Félix da Costa, who joins the team for this season. Lola Yamaha ABT Formula E Team runs Lucas Di Grassi alongside Zane Maloney. Mahindra Racing fields Edoardo Mortara and Nyck De Vries.

Nissan Formula E Team competes with Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato. Porsche Formula E Team enters Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller. Each team brings technical expertise and racing experience to the Shanghai circuit.

Gen3 Evo Technology

The 2026 season marks the final year for the Gen3 Evo car, which brings significant technical advances to formula-e racing. The car demonstrates the pinnacle of electric racing technology with features that set it apart from previous generations.

Performance Capabilities

The Gen3 Evo accelerates from 0-60mph in 1.82 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating FIA single-seater race car. This represents a 30% improvement over current Formula 1 cars in acceleration. The car reaches a top speed of 200mph and delivers approximately 2% performance gain compared to the original Gen3, translating to roughly 2 seconds faster qualifying laps on circuits like Monaco.

All-Wheel Drive System

Formula-e introduces all-wheel drive for the first time with the Gen3 Evo. Drivers can access AWD during qualifying duels, race starts, and Attack Mode periods. This system maximizes acceleration and control during critical race moments, adding strategic depth to competition.

Aerodynamics and Design

The Gen3 Evo features a new body kit that enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The design creates better conditions for close racing and wheel-to-wheel competition. Engineers built the car to be stronger and more durable while improving airflow characteristics.

Energy and Regeneration

The Williams Advanced Engineering battery provides approximately 38.5 kWh of usable energy capacity. The regenerative braking system operates at 600kW capacity, generating nearly 50% of the energy needed during a race. The front axle handles 250kW of regeneration exclusively, while the rear motor provides both propulsion and 350kW of regeneration. The Gen3 car uses no traditional hydraulic brakes on the rear axle, relying entirely on regenerative braking for rear stopping power.

Sustainable Racing

Formula-e operates as the first net-zero carbon sport, using the first net-zero carbon race car. Hankook iON tires provide 5-10% more grip than Gen3 specification tires and contain 35% recycled and sustainable materials. The battery supports rapid "flash-charging" at speeds up to 600kW, demonstrating the potential of electric vehicle technology.

Formula E History in China

Formula-e first raced in China with the inaugural Beijing E-Prix in 2014. The championship has visited multiple Chinese locations, including Hong Kong from 2016-2019 and Sanya in 2019. The Shanghai International Circuit hosted its first formula-e races in May 2024 as a double-header event. The return to Shanghai for Season 12 continues the championship's commitment to racing in China.

What Makes This Event Special

The Shanghai E-Prix combines a world-class permanent circuit with cutting-edge electric racing technology. The track's unique design, from its distinctive shape to its varied corner combinations, creates compelling racing action. The permanent circuit setting allows the Gen3 Evo cars to demonstrate their full performance potential with higher speeds and different racing lines compared to street circuits.

The double-header format gives fans two complete race experiences with separate qualifying sessions and races. Each race presents fresh opportunities for teams to refine their strategies and drivers to demonstrate their skills. The Shanghai International Circuit facilities provide excellent viewing and team infrastructure, supporting a professional racing environment.

Season 12 represents a milestone as the longest championship calendar in formula-e history. The Shanghai E-Prix (Round 12) plays an important role in the championship battle, occurring midway through the expanded season. Teams and drivers arrive at the Shanghai International Circuit with championship points on the line and strategic decisions to make across both races. The combination of advanced electric racing technology, a challenging circuit layout, and competitive field promises compelling competition for formula-e fans following the championship.