Formula E | Qualifying 2 | Shanghai E-Prix | Cassidy on pole after disrupted session - Motorsport

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Qualifying for Round 11 of the 2025 Formula E season in Shanghai was anything but straightforward, as torrential rain and worsening track conditions forced Race Control to scrap the Duels and delay the start. Instead, the grid was set based on Group Stage results alone, in accordance with the sporting regulations. Despite the chaos, Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy and Porsche’s António Félix da Costa rose above the wet-weather challenge to top their respective groups and secure front-row starts in a drama-filled session marked by spins, red flags, and relentless rain.

A delayed start to Qualifying amid wet conditions

Ten minutes before Formula E Qualifying in Shanghai was set to begin, Race Control conducted a track inspection to assess conditions following heavy rainfall. Although the surface remained visibly wet and more rain threatened, officials held off on cancelling the session entirely. As the track gradually began to dry, Race Control delayed the start, first setting a revised time of 9:10 local, and then pushing it further to 9:45.

Due to the significantly late start, Race Control confirmed that the session would run with the Group Stage only, scrapping the Duels due to insufficient time. This decision aligned with the championship’s sporting regulations, which state that “If, for exceptional reasons, the “Duels” did not take place, the starting gid will be based on the “Groups” results. Drivers classified in positions 1 to 12 of the fastest overall Driver’s Group will be allocated the odd positions on the grid (1/3/5/…/23) and those classified in positions 1 to 12 of the other Group will be allocated the even positions (2/4/6/…/24).”

Group A: Cassidy top and Nissan suffers

Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans led the 11 Group A drivers out onto a cold, wet Shanghai circuit, while teammate Nick Cassidy, slow to leave the pitlane, was quickly noted for failing to follow the Race Director’s instructions. In the early minutes, drivers completed exploratory laps, with Evans setting a 1:34.444 as he gradually built heat into his tyres. Cassidy, however, found early pace and went quickest with a 1:33.038—despite Race Control launching an investigation into his alleged procedural breach at the session’s start.

As the rain intensified and grip levels worsened, all eleven drivers managed to post banker laps, though the chance of major improvement looked slim. Even so, Cassidy shaved more time off, improving to a 1:32.590. Yet, his time didn’t hold long. Pascal Wehrlein responded with a 1:32.392 for Tag Heuer Porsche, only to be displaced moments later by Maserati’s Jake Hughes, who went fastest with a 1:32.283—just after Race Control issued him a black and white flag for driving unnecessarily slowly. Nissan’s Oliver Rowland received a similar warning soon after.

With just over three minutes remaining, Cassidy struck again. He clocked a 1:31.305 to reclaim P1, showing confidence despite the worsening spray and slippery conditions. While most drivers began to find a better rhythm, Mahindra’s Nyck de Vries suffered a spin, highlighting the circuit’s continued unpredictability.

Despite brief signs of improving pace, the treacherous conditions kept the field in check. Cassidy’s final effort proved unbeatable in Group A, securing him the top spot amid mounting investigations and relentless rain.

Group A standings at the 2025 Formula E Shanghai E-Prix Round 11 Qualifying session

N. Cassidy
P. Wehrlein
J. Hughes
N. de Vries
M. Gunther
Z. Maloney
M. Evans
E. Mortara
O. Rowland
D. Ticktum
N. Nato

Group B: Da Costa fastest in rain-shortened session

António Félix da Costa led Group B onto a drenched Shanghai circuit, immediately battling heavy spray and worsening conditions. Standing water had increased since Group A’s run, making it even harder for drivers to stay within the white lines. Nevertheless, da Costa set the early benchmark with a 1:33.649, just before Race Control issued black-and-white flags to Taylor Barnard, Stoffel Vandoorne and Robin Frijns for driving unnecessarily slowly.

Shortly afterwards, Jean-Éric Vergne responded with a 1:34.225 to take provisional second, just ahead of Lucas di Grassi. Robin Frijns followed in fourth with a 1:34.547. Then, on their next flying laps, da Costa improved again to a 1:32.952. Meanwhile, Vergne held onto second with a slightly faster 1:33.145, although Vandoorne matched his time to slot into third.

Moments later, chaos unfolded. David Beckmann spun at the exit of Turn 3 and dipped into the gravel, though he quickly recovered. In contrast, Sébastien Buemi also spun at Turn 3 but beached his car in the gravel trap, prompting Race Control to red-flag the session. Elsewhere, Barnard survived a separate spin but continued without major issue.

Fortunately, Buemi managed to return to the pit lane. The session resumed with four minutes remaining, and Jake Dennis led the charge back onto the treacherous track. Yet, just as the drivers prepared for a final push, Race Control red-flagged the session again due to increasingly dangerous weather.

Ultimately, officials did not resume the session. As a result, da Costa’s 1:32.952 remained unbeaten, securing him the top spot in Group B amid chaos, spins and torrential rain.