Formula E returns to Sanya this weekend for the first time since 2019, with Mahindra Racing aiming to strengthen its position in both championships. The Indian outfit enters Round 11 sitting third in the Teams’ standings after a competitive start to the 2025/2026 campaign. Edoardo Mortara also holds third place in the Drivers’ Championship, while Nyck de Vries arrives in China 10th overall and carrying strong momentum from his victory on the streets of Monte Carlo.
De Vries targets greater consistency in Sanya
De Vries believed the return to Sanya would offer a largely level playing field, as the championship had not raced at the venue since 2019 and recent data remained limited. Although Formula E had visited the circuit before, the Dutchman noted that teams and drivers would still need to adapt quickly throughout the weekend. After Mahindra showed encouraging speed at several rounds, particularly during his victory in Monaco, he wanted the team to turn that pace into more consistent results. De Vries also underlined the importance of maximising every practice session to build confidence and prepare effectively for qualifying and the race.
“Sanya is an event where everyone starts from a relatively clean sheet of paper. Even though the circuit has hosted Formula E before, none of us has recent experience there.”
“We’ve shown good pace at several points this season, particularly in Monaco, and the objective now is to convert that into more consistent results. It will be important to make the most of every session.”
Mortara aims to maintain title challenge
Mortara views the Sanya E-Prix as an important moment in Mahindra’s season, with the gaps at the front remaining tight and every result carrying added weight. The Swiss-Italian driver has delivered a steady run of performances so far, leaving him firmly in contention near the top of the standings. He expected the unfamiliar nature of the circuit to test the entire field, but felt Mahindra’s preparation could put the team in a strong position. Mortara believed a clean and well-executed weekend would give both cars the opportunity to fight towards the front once again.
“We’ve had a consistent run so far this season, but we’re now entering a really important phase of the championship, where there are small margins at the front, and one result really can make all the difference.”
“Sanya is an interesting challenge because there are so many unknowns compared to the venues we visit regularly. We’ve prepared well as a team, and if we can execute cleanly throughout the weekend, there’s no reason why we can’t be fighting near the front again.”
Bertrand focused on maximising every opportunity
Mahindra Team Principal and CEO Frédéric Bertrand welcomed Formula E’s return to Sanya, describing it as an important chance for the championship to revisit a venue from its earlier seasons. From a competitive perspective, however, he expected the lack of recent data to create a demanding weekend for every team. Mahindra prepared extensively for the event and planned to make the most of each session as it adapted to the circuit. With the team holding third place in both championships, Bertrand stressed the importance of continuing its consistent points-scoring run as the season entered its decisive final phase.
“Returning to Sanya is an exciting moment for Formula E. It is always positive to reconnect with venues that have been part of Formula E’s story.”
“From a sporting perspective, this weekend presents a different challenge because there is very little reference material available. The team has worked hard to prepare, and as always, our focus is on maximising every opportunity available to us. We remain third in both championships, and the objective is to continue scoring consistently as we move into the final stages of the season.”
