Gary Paffett predicts the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix
CUPRA KIRO’s Racing Director, Gary Paffett, attempts to predict the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix in collaboration with Duelbits…
With just three weekends left of the 2025/26 Formula E season, the competition for the World Championship crown is heating up as the series returns to China for the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix.
Relentlessly fast and as tough on energy management as it is on tyres, the Shanghai International Circuit has produced some thrilling action since Formula E’s first visit in 2024.
CUPRA KIRO’s Racing Director, Gary Paffett is one of the most experienced figures in the paddock and ahead of the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix, shares his opinion on what might happen in China, in collaboration with Duelbits…
Watch out For Tyre Management
“Because of its long, constant-radius corners, Shanghai can be one of the tougher circuits on tyres. Turns 1, 2, 7, and 8 ask a lot of the tyres, and if they start to overheat, that can directly feed into energy management. Looking after one can sometimes mean looking after the other.”
Race 1 and Race 2 Will Tell Two Different Stories
“With Pit Boost returning on Saturday, we’re effectively preparing for two different races. Race 1 will be about nailing the timing of a single Attack Mode and Pit Boost whereas Sunday will open the door for much more strategic variety.”
Don’t Write Off Drivers Starting at the Back
“Energy management is big factor in Shanghai, and that opens opportunities for drivers to come through the field. We saw it last year with our very own Dan Ticktum who moved up from 21st to fourth and I think we’ll see it again this year, particularly on Sunday.”
Turns 10-12 Will Be Box Office Gold
“The final sequence of corners produced plenty of talking points last season and I can’t imagine it being any different this year. Drivers are trying to save energy and position themselves for the following straight while eyeing overtaking opportunities, so it’s a section where the smallest misjudgement can cause chaos.”
Pole Position Might Matter
“Normally in Formula E, starting from pole doesn’t guarantee anything but in Shanghai, both pole sitters won which has been a rare occurrence in the Gen3 era. If the weather stays dry, Qualifying could be more important than people expect but if it rains, it’ll be even more valuable because energy saving is much easier in wet conditions, making it more difficult to recover from the back.”
Want to find out how accurate Gary's predictions were? Check CUPRA KIRO's social media channels across the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix to stay up to date.