The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to China this weekend for the 2025 Hankook Shanghai E-Prix—a double-header marking Rounds 10 and 11 of a fiercely competitive Season 11. As the GEN3 Evo era continues to thrill, the grid now heads to one of the sport’s most symbolic locations: Shanghai. It is not far from where Formula E’s journey began over a decade ago.
A Historic Circuit
Formula E first raced in China in 2014, launching its inaugural season in Beijing. Since then, the series has visited four Chinese cities, including Hong Kong and Sanya. Of the nine previous races held in the country, eight different drivers have claimed victory. This shows the championship’s hallmark unpredictability. Now, the Shanghai E-Prix is in the spotlight. The 3.051km shortened form of the classic international circuit promises high-octane racing.
The track’s tight turns and long straight, especially the sweeping Turns 1 and 2—with ATTACK MODE switched on—offer a technical challenge. Furthermore, there’s plenty of scope for passing. The layout, shaped like the Chinese character “上” (shang), meaning ‘superior’, lives up to its name. It offers a superior spectacle for both fans and drivers.
Moreover, adding a fresh strategic twist to the Shanghai E-Prix on Saturday is the return of PIT BOOST—a mandatory 30-second stop.
Rowland’s Title to Lose?
Oliver Rowland enters the weekend in dominant form. The Nissan driver sits comfortably atop the standings with 161 points. He leads by 77 points over nearest rival Pascal Wehrlein (TAG Heuer Porsche). Rowland’s season includes four wins, three second places, and three consecutive poles. It’s a run of consistency few can match.
However, in a season where all 11 teams have reached the podium, nothing is certain. Rising talents like rookie Taylor Barnard, with four podiums already, and Dan Ticktum, who claimed his first in Tokyo, add more excitement. Clearly, this is a grid where almost anyone can strike a win at the Shanghai E-Prix.
Warm Forecast, Hot Racing
Shanghai weather will be hot and sticky. Temperatures are expected in the mid-20s Celsius, with no rain forecast. These are ideal conditions for tyre grip and power control. Nevertheless, the area’s unpredictable weather could still bring late changes.
Off track, fans can enjoy the busy Fan Village at the Shanghai E-Prix. It features simulators, live music, local food, and educational activities. Additionally, Formula E’s sustainability campaign returns. Initiatives like the Better Futures Fund support youth in the Jiading District. STEM programmes such as FIA Girls on Track also offer young women a taste of motorsport themselves.
The 2025 Shanghai E-Prix is a celebration of how far Formula E has come—and where it’s headed next. For Rowland, it’s a chance to wrap his fists around the title securely. Meanwhile, for the rest of the grid, it’s a chance to rattle the timesheets in a city where sparks have always flown.