Lucas di Grassi stuns Shanghai E-Prix with comeback victory from the back

Di Grassi wins chaotic Shanghai finale

Lucas di Grassi completed a remarkable comeback to win the second race of the Shanghai E-Prix, leading Jean-Eric Vergne and Joel Eriksson in a podium made up entirely of drivers who had started from the back of the grid.

Shanghai had already looked unpredictable after the opening race weekend narrative, with Pascal Wehrlein’s earlier performance underlining the importance of momentum in the title picture. For more on that context, read our report on Wehrlein calling his Shanghai win a major Formula E title statement.

Drugovich stars in qualifying before race chaos

The day began with Felipe Drugovich delivering a superb qualifying performance on debut. After progressing through the knockout stages, he beat Taylor Barnard in the final with a 1:10.609 to claim pole position.

Barnard had defeated Pepe Martí and Oliver Rowland on his route through the duels, while Drugovich eliminated Norman Nato before overcoming Wehrlein in the semi-final. Wehrlein had earlier produced the fastest lap of the quarter-finals to knock out Edoardo Mortara.

Before the race, championship leader Mitch Evans was unable to start because of technical issues, immediately altering the complexion of the contest.

Porsche control gives way to late-race disorder

The race began in difficult weather, initially behind the safety car, before race control ordered a standing start on lap three. Drugovich led away, but Attack Mode quickly reshuffled the order. Barnard moved ahead by lap five, only for Wehrlein to take control a lap later.

By lap eight, Nico Mueller had joined Wehrlein at the front to form a Porsche 1-2. Behind them, the midfield remained tightly packed, while Drugovich fought back to third and Jake Dennis also made progress.

Antonio Felix da Costa then became one of the race’s central figures, climbing from 16th on the grid. By lap 16, he was up to third, although race control noted an incident involving him and Rowland at Turn 8.

Late neutralisation transforms the podium fight

The decisive phase arrived after lap 22, when Eriksson blasted into the lead and set a new fastest lap. A yellow flag on lap 23 and a Full Course Yellow on lap 24 wiped out the gaps, handing the late chargers a decisive opportunity.

Vergne seized the lead from Eriksson on the penultimate lap, but Di Grassi’s charge was even more decisive. After starting last, he found the pace to move into second and then crossed the line first, 0.546 seconds ahead of Vergne.

Race control investigated an alleged overtake under double yellow flags but confirmed no further action against the leaders, preserving one of the most dramatic Shanghai E-Prix finishes of the season.