Extreme heat and late-race chaos reshape Formula E standings in China as Jake Dennis dominates restart to take victory
Jake Dennis delivered a commanding performance to win the Sanya E-Prix, as Andretti Formula E Team celebrated a landmark one-two finish with Felipe Drugovich finishing second in a dramatic round of the FIA Formula E World Championship.
The race, part of the return of Formula E to Sanya after 2019, took place under extreme heat at the Haitang Bay Circuit, where track temperatures soared close to 59°C, creating punishing conditions for drivers and teams.
Starting from pole, Dennis controlled the early pace before briefly losing the lead to Pascal Wehrlein on lap nine. However, the British driver quickly struck back two laps later and remained in the lead group as the field stayed tightly packed throughout the opening half of the race.
Chaos unfolded by lap 18 when multiple incidents involving championship leader Mitch Evans triggered a red flag. Contact with Dan Ticktum and later collisions involving Sebastien Buemi and Zane Maloney left Evans stranded and forced race officials to suspend the race.
After the restart, Dennis again asserted dominance. Antonio Felix da Costa briefly challenged but was hit with a five-second penalty for causing contact.
Dennis capitalized on the situation, managing energy and pace effectively to pull clear and secure his second win of the season, while Drugovich held firm under pressure to complete Andretti’s historic 1-2 finish. Rookie Pepe Marti climbed from 18th to third to complete the podium.
The result significantly impacted the championship standings in Formula E, with several frontrunners failing to score.
Despite retirement, Evans retained the points lead, while Dennis moved up to fifth after a strong 28-point haul. The teams’ standings remain tight, with Jaguar leading Porsche and Mahindra heading into the Shanghai double-header.
Formula E, governed by the FIA, continues its 2025-26 season with intense competition as teams adapt to evolving energy management strategies and extreme weather conditions. Andretti’s breakthrough result marks a significant morale boost, highlighting improved efficiency and race execution.
The upcoming Shanghai E-Prix double-header is expected to further shake up the standings, with multiple title contenders still in close contention as the season enters a critical phase in China.
Dennis now eyes consistent podiums to strengthen championship challenge further season.
