FP3 | FE | Round 11 | Shanghai E-Prix | Session cancelled due to rain

Ahead of the Free Practice session 3 in Shanghai, Formula E announced a timetable adjustment due to an unfavourable weather forecast. With all sessions now brought forward, the remainder of the Shanghai E-Prix promised to be chaotic, as worsening weather loomed earlier than anticipated.

First timed laps in a wet FP3 during the Shanghai E-Prix

FP3 began in wet conditions, and it quickly became clear that aquaplaning posed a serious issue. Rain persisted in Shanghai, increasing the likelihood of a red flag.

Drivers struggled to find grip on the soaked track, sliding as they attempted to bring their tyres up to temperature. Despite the challenges, some managed to set initial lap times. Yesterday’s race winner, Maximilian Günther, lost control at Turn 6 and slid into the gravel. Shortly after, Dan Ticktum became the next driver to go off.

Lap times were approximately 20 seconds slower than the previous day, underlining the treacherous nature of the circuit.

Red Flag due to bad weather

ace Control red-flagged the session as conditions deteriorated further, leaving the FIA to determine how best to proceed. As drivers waited in their garages, the session clock continued to count down.

Uncertainty grew over whether FP3 would resume, and questions surfaced about how the grid would be set if Qualifying were to be cancelled. Historically, when a Qualifying session was called off, the grid formed based on the final Free Practice standings.

What will happen if the Qualifying gets cancelled?

Initially, it was assumed that the FP2 classification would determine the grid for Round 11 if Qualifying were cancelled. However, clarification from Race Control revealed that FP2 had counted for Round 10, meaning the current FP3 order could be used instead—despite the session only running for six minutes.

Session extended, then cancelled

Race Control extended FP3 by 30 minutes in the hope of resuming track activity. The Safety Car was deployed to assess conditions, but continuous rainfall made any further running unlikely.

With 15 minutes remaining, Race Control confirmed that FP3 would not resume. The persistent rain left the rest of the Formula E weekend in Shanghai under a cloud of uncertainty.

Classification

1. Nick Cassidy (1:36.198)
2. Jean-Éric Vergne (+0.461)
3. Robin Frijns (+1.201)
4. Mitch Evans (+2.413)
5. Antonio Felix Da Costa (+2.508)
6. Oliver Rowland (+3.095)
7. Sébastien Buemi (+3.635)
8. Lucas Di Grassi (+3.995)
9. Norman Nato (+4.045)
10. Taylor Barnard (+4.100)
11. Stoffel Vandoorne (+4.224)
12. Sam Bird (+4.359)
13. Nico Müller (+4.898)
14. Pascal Wehrlein (+4.985)
15. Jake Dennis (+8.242)
16. Zane Maloney (+11.308)
17. Maximilian Günther (+11.502)
18. Jake Hughes (+12.712)
19. Dan Ticktum (+15.242)
20. David Beckmann (+23.392)
21. Nyck De Vries (No Time)
22. Edoardo Mortara (No Time)