Maximilian Guenther claimed a commanding lights-to-flag victory at the 2025 Shanghai E-Prix Round 10, delivering DS PENSKE’s first one-two finish after teammate Jean-Eric Vergne snatched second with a breathtaking last-lap move.

Guenther leads dominant DS PENSKE one-two as Vergne stuns on final lap in Shanghai

May 31, 2025 Richard Alvin

Maximilian Guenther claimed a commanding lights-to-flag victory at the 2025 Shanghai E-Prix Round 10, delivering DS PENSKE’s first one-two finish after teammate Jean-Eric Vergne snatched second with a breathtaking last-lap move.

In a race packed with drama, strategy and overtakes, Guenther converted pole into a confident win, navigating ATTACK MODE and PIT BOOST flawlessly to finish over seven seconds clear at the flag. His composed drive saw him emerge unchallenged from a tactical battle of energy use and overtakes.

The fireworks came just behind him.

Taylor Barnard had led briefly in the second half of the race, executing a masterful chicane overtake to escape the pack. Oliver Rowland, the championship leader, used his final ATTACK MODE to reel him in by Lap 24. Guenther, with 30 seconds of power boost remaining, soon followed suit to reclaim the lead by Lap 26. Rowland and Barnard then clashed for second in a stunning exchange—Barnard initially sweeping around the outside into the chicane.

But it was Jean-Eric Vergne who produced the moment of the race, lunging past both Ticktum and Barnard on the final lap at the chicane to clinch second place. It marked his first podium of the season and sealed a DS PENSKE one-two, their best result in the GEN3 era.

“It feels like we’ve been waiting a long time,” said Guenther. “To get this win and do it like that, it’s just an amazing feeling for the whole team.”

Ticktum, who started way down in 21st, finished fourth after running as high as third on the final lap. Rowland, who looked on course for a podium, ultimately slipped to fifth in the closing moments, just ahead of teammate Norman Nato.

Further back, Pascal Wehrlein fought hard to recover from mid-pack after ATTACK MODE deployment misfires, but couldn’t break back into podium contention. His teammate da Costa missed out entirely after contact dropped him down the order.

The race began with fireworks, as Wehrlein launched past both Guenther and Barnard into Turn 1. But by Lap 4, Guenther had retaken control following a chaotic chicane that saw Nick Cassidy spun to the back.

Energy management came into play early, with Vandoorne and de Vries making the most of early ATTACK MODE deployments. PIT BOOST timing became critical as teams played strategic games; Mueller looked strong after a bold early stop but faded in the second stint.

Frijns and di Grassi also made eye-catching charges through the field—each gaining 13+ places—while Ticktum’s late-race aggression brought him within sight of the podium before Vergne’s late magic.

With five rounds to go, Rowland still leads the Drivers’ Championship with 171 points, though Barnard closes in at 103. DS Penske’s one-two sees them climb in the Teams’ standings, while Nissan retains the Manufacturers’ lead.

Formula E returns Sunday for Round 11, also in Shanghai, with rain forecast and momentum firmly with DS Penske after a season-defining result.