The 2026 Formula E Sanya E-Prix weekend began in challenging conditions as drivers tackled a windy and humid circuit during the opening free practice session. Despite an interruption caused by a red flag, teams completed valuable running and gathered crucial data ahead of qualifying and the race. In the end, Mahindra Racing‘s Edoardo Mortara emerged fastest after a highly competitive session that featured multiple lead changes and a new circuit lap record.
Early FP1 running sees rapid changes at the top
Pascal Wehrlein led the field onto the circuit for the start of the 40-minute FP1 session, while Lucas di Grassi remained in the pit lane during the opening stages.
Following an initial exploratory lap, Race Control conducted its routine Full Course Yellow test. Once officials completed the procedure, drivers began pushing for representative lap times.
Nico Müller initially established the benchmark for Porsche Formula E Team. However, the leaderboard quickly evolved as drivers found confidence around the circuit. Jake Dennis moved to the top with a lap of 1:08.583, while Edoardo Mortara and Wehrlein climbed into second and third respectively. Sébastien Buemi, who had briefly featured near the front, slipped to fourth.
Shortly afterwards, Taylor Barnard delivered an impressive lap of 1:08.321 to move to the top of the timesheets. Dennis remained close behind, trailing the British driver by just 0.156 seconds.
Brief interruptions disrupt the session
With just over 30 minutes remaining, a brief yellow flag appeared when Pepe Martí slowed at Turn 12. Fortunately, he quickly recovered and resumed running, allowing green-flag conditions to return almost immediately.
Meanwhile, Race Control investigated Jean-Éric Vergne for an impeding incident at Turn 2. Officials later issued the Frenchman a black-and-white warning flag for another impeding incident at Turn 12.
As the session progressed, lap times continued to tumble. Mortara briefly claimed top spot before Dennis responded. Moments later, Dan Ticktum surged to the front with a strong lap of 1:06.403. Felipe Drugovich also impressed by moving into third position.
Teams focus on set-up work at midway point
Approaching the halfway stage, most teams returned to the pit lane to make set-up adjustments and evaluate data collected during the opening runs.
The Nissan duo of Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato were among the first drivers back on track. Rowland quickly improved and climbed into sixth position. Nato, however, encountered difficulties when he ran into the run-off area at Turn 9, triggering yellow flags at Turns 7, 8 and 9. He soon rejoined the circuit, allowing the session to continue.
Nevertheless, a more significant interruption followed shortly afterwards. Buemi stopped between Turns 7 and 8 with an apparent RESS-related issue, forcing Race Control to red-flag the session. Drivers returned to the pit lane while marshals recovered the stranded car.
Although officials later granted a five-minute extension, the stoppage reduced the amount of time available for teams to complete their planned programmes.
Mahindra takes control of FP1 at the 2026 Formula E Sanya E-Prix after restart
The session resumed with just over 13 minutes remaining. Almost the entire field returned to the circuit immediately, with Ticktum the notable exception.
Wehrlein briefly topped the timesheets after the restart. However, Mahindra Racing soon demonstrated its pace by securing the top two positions. Mortara produced a lap of 1:05.494 to move ahead of teammate Nyck de Vries by two tenths of a second.
Jaguar TCS Racing also showed encouraging speed. Mitch Evans climbed to third, while António Félix da Costa moved into fourth. At the same time, Rowland continued his strong recovery by improving to sixth behind Wehrlein, while Müller secured seventh place.
Mortara breaks lap record to secure fastest time
The closing minutes produced another round of improvements. Dennis briefly climbed to the top of the leaderboard with a lap of 1:05.743, underlining the competitive nature of the session.
Further down the order, Zan Maloney improved to 12th before slipping back as rivals found additional pace.
However, Mortara delivered the decisive blow on his next flying lap. The Mahindra driver recorded a 1:05.616, breaking the circuit lap record and reaffirming his position at the top of the standings. Throughout the session, several drivers struggled to keep their cars within track limits at Turn 9, highlighting one of the circuit’s most challenging sections.
Despite late efforts from the chasing pack, nobody could dislodge Mortara from first place before the chequered flag.
Final classification
Mortara finished the opening practice session fastest for Mahindra Racing, providing an encouraging start to the Sanya E-Prix weekend. Dennis secured second position, while de Vries completed the top three to underline Mahindra’s strong performance.
The session offered an early indication of a tightly contested weekend, with several teams demonstrating competitive pace and plenty still to play for as preparations continue in Sanya.
See the full results from the 2026 Formula E Sanya E-Prix FP1
