2026 Shanghai E-Prix schedule: start times, circuit guide and how to watch
Formula E heads back to Shanghai
The FIA Formula E World Championship returns to the Shanghai International Circuit for Rounds 12 and 13 of the 2025/26 season, with the title fight tightening as the campaign moves into a decisive phase. The championship arrives in China for a double-header on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July, bringing two full race days on a fast, flowing and unforgiving layout.
Shanghai has already become a significant stop on the calendar. This is the third season Formula E has raced at the venue, and the event has built a reputation for unexpected winners, first-time podium finishers and results capable of reshaping the standings. For more on the competitive picture heading into the weekend, read our full Formula E Shanghai E-Prix preview.
2026 Shanghai E-Prix session times
Track action begins on Friday 2 July with Free Practice 1 at 16:00 local time. From there, the weekend moves quickly into race-day rhythm.
On Saturday 3 July, Free Practice 2 opens the programme at 08:30 local time with a 40-minute session. Qualifying follows at 10:40, setting the grid for the first race of the double-header. The 2026 Shanghai E-Prix then starts at 15:05 local time.
Sunday’s E-Prix follows the same schedule structure, with Free Practice 3 taking place before qualifying and the second race. That repeat format gives teams and drivers another chance to respond quickly, but on a circuit that punishes errors, the margin for recovery remains narrow.
How to watch and follow the race
Fans can watch, follow or stream the Shanghai E-Prix depending on their country’s broadcast coverage. Formula E will also provide live race coverage through its website and app, including full race commentary.
Live Timing will be available throughout the event, featuring a real-time interactive track map and the option to follow a favourite driver during every session. Highlights, session reports, exclusive interviews, standings, results, data, insight and trackside reaction will also be available across Formula E’s digital platforms.
Shanghai International Circuit: what to expect
Formula E will race on a clockwise 3.051km layout, a shortened version of the traditional Grand Prix circuit. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the Shanghai International Circuit is known for its distinctive layout, which from above resembles the Chinese character “上” (shang), meaning ‘up above’.
The circuit combines high-speed straights with tight corners, creating overtaking opportunities while demanding precision from drivers. Across two back-to-back race days, that mix should make Shanghai a stern test of execution, racecraft and championship composure.
Season so far
Jake Dennis opened the season with victory in Brazil from Julius Baer Pole Position for Andretti. Nick Cassidy then won in Mexico City from 13th for Citroën Racing, before Mitch Evans took victory in Miami for Jaguar.
Pascal Wehrlein and Antonio Felix da Costa won in Jeddah, with da Costa adding another triumph at Madrid’s Jarama circuit. Nico Müller claimed a maiden win in Berlin, followed by Evans charging from 17th to victory the next day. Monaco brought wins for Nyck de Vries and Oliver Rowland, while Dennis most recently dominated in Sanya with pole and victory, adding 28 points and moving to fifth in the standings.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.