Jean-Éric Vergne leaves the 2026 Formula E Shanghai E-Prix double-header with 26 points and his first breakthrough podium for Citroën Racing.
The Frenchman has so far endured a difficult season, frequently finishing races either outside the points or within the lower end of the top ten. However, the Shanghai International Circuit proved to be a turning point, as Vergne secured his first podium with Citroën Racing, while outperforming teammate Nick Cassidy across the weekend.
Vergne on Round 12
Round 12 kicked off with two strong free practice results, as Vergne finished P2 in FP1 and P6 in FP2. He then continued his momentum into Qualifying, taking P8 after progressing to the Duels.
Throughout the race, Vergne ran a disciplined energy-management strategy as drivers had to navigate changing weather conditions. He encountered several close battles, including minor contact with Edoardo Mortara, before ultimately crossing the line in P6. At the time, this result marked his best race finish with Citroën Racing.
Reflecting on his Round 12 result, Vergne shared: “It’s positive to come away with points today, especially after such a strategic and hard-fought race. We made the most of what we had and I think the team did a good job throughout the day. That said, I also feel that with a little more pace we could have been fighting for an even better result. We’ll analyse today’s race and keep working hard to come back even stronger tomorrow.”
From poor Qualifying to strong race pace
Heading into Round 13 of the 2026 Formula E Shanghai E-Prix, Vergne couldn’t replicate his previous Qualifying success, lining up in P18. Starting from the back of the grid, Citroën Racing opted for a bold energy-management strategy designed for dry conditions. While risky, the strategy ultimately proved key for Vergne’s comeback drive.
The two-time Formula E champion took his first Attack Mode on Lap 19, climbing into P10, before activating his second Attack Mode on Lap 22 to enter the top five. Moments before a late-race Full Course Yellow, Vergne battled his way past Lucas di Grassi and Pascal Wehrlein to take P2. However, when the race resumed, Vergne found himself in a close battle for the race lead as Di Grassi activated his final Attack Mode. Despite putting up a good fight, Vergne ultimately secured P2.
“It was a good race and I’m really happy to be back on the podium.” Vergne said after the race, as he last celebrated a podium finish at the Season 11 Berlin E-Prix. “The start wasn’t easy, as I struggled to match the pace and was a little frustrated during the opening laps. But once the track started to dry, our strategy began to pay off.”
“We took a gamble with the team before the start, and it turned out to be the right one. I was able to make my way quickly through the field, and this result is a great reward for the whole team after a challenging start to the season.”
Vergne: “Very happy to be frustrated with P2”
Reflecting further on his Round 13 podium finish at the 2026 Formula E Shanghai E-Prix, Vergne opened up about his mixed emotions of narrowly missing out on victory but still securing a memorable result.
“I’m feeling very good – I’m actually very happy to be very frustrated with P2! Considering the season we’ve had, having a podium here today is fantastic, especially considering where we started,” he shared.
“Both Lucas [di Grassi] and I were talking on the grid like: ‘lost for lost, you know, let’s try and use the dry pressure’. Actually, I couldn’t even follow the Safety Car at the beginning, so I got asked by the engineers to put the wet pressure, but I fought back. Luckily we did, and I’m very happy for the team. It’s been a rough season, so having a podium is nice.”
