Formula E | Shanghai E-Prix | FP3 | Session not resumed due to tough weather conditions - Motorsport

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Formula E was back underway in Shanghai, for FP3, on the final round of the double-header in China. Yesterday’s race saw Maximilian Günther and Jean-Éric Vergne (JEV), bring home first and second for DS Penske, while Taylor Barnard completed the podium. FP3 started slightly earlier than planned, as the day had been shifted, to accommodate the weather.

Flashbacks to Tokyo with this rain radar 🌧️@Hankook_Sport #ShanghaiEPrix pic.twitter.com/h0SOydIGDR
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) May 31, 2025

Green lights for FP3 in Shanghai

The lights went out for the Formula E FP3 in Shanghai and the track was already very wet. Nico Müller was informed by Andretti, that a handful of corners were slippery. However, practice time in the wet was crucial.

The drivers were all cautious of the track conditions, but Oliver Rowland was the first to lead the pack, with a 1:39.293. Under the assumption that the weather could affect Qualifying 2, similar to Tokyo, the Nissan driver had a clear strategy in mind.

Red flag for FP3

As the drivers proceeded to test out conditions, there were a couple of run-offs at T5. The feedback from the cars came in, and race control decided to halt the session. The NEOM McLaren team principal, Ian James, noted that a full session was needed to set a grid.

Look at that spray 👀

A slippery track today, demonstrated here by Frijns ☔️ @Hankook_Sport #ShanghaiEPrix pic.twitter.com/1CPb0FLwMV
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) May 31, 2025

With six minutes left on the clock, Nick Cassidy was the leading driver, with a 1:36.196, followed by JEV and Robin Frijns. There was a possibility, that FP3 could still determine the grid and the teams surely double-checked the rules.

Formula E Shanghai FP3 extended

In hopes that the weather could improve, 30 minutes were added to the FP3 session. However, as Sebastien Buemi, Jake Dennis and Dan Ticktum noted, the standing water posed to be the bigger problem. Ticktum specifically, noted that he almost had a “generational shunt”, when he ran off at T5. The Kiro driver also mentioned aquaplaning towards the gravel and that one needs to remain calm when driving.

Ticktum goes off onto the gravel but manages to keep it out of the wall 😯@Hankook_Sport #ShanghaiEPrix pic.twitter.com/Ta4FegOq3v
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) May 31, 2025

FP3 in Shanghai will not be resumed

Not surprisingly, because of the tricky weather conditions, the FIA Race Director decided to cancel FP3, as the track was deemed unsafe.

Although the qualifying session is still scheduled, the grid for the Formula E race in Shanghai will be determined by the results of the third practice session if the weather is not safe enough. Hopefully, the rain will pass, so the cars can run a proper Qualifying.