Paddock Whispers: News ticker on all the important Formula E paddock topics in Shanghai

Formula E is holding its second race weekend of the season in China this weekend. Following the race in the coastal region of Sanya two weeks ago, the double-header is taking place in Shanghai. Find out what else is going on in the paddock at the Chinese circuit in the latest instalment of our series "Paddock Whispers". We’ll be updating this ticker regularly throughout the weekend.

>>> Thunderstorms in Shanghai: Formula E modifies schedule

[07/03 | 3.30 pm] Formula E has completely adjusted the schedule for the whole weekend. "With adverse weather conditions forecast in Shanghai on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, we anticipate significant impact to the current sporting schedule," a Formula E spokesperson said.

"Together with the FIA, Teams and Manufacturers, we have taken the proactive decision to amend track timings on both race days. This ensures we can maximise track sessions while prioritising the safety and experience of our fans, guests, and personnel as we look to put on the best possible racing spectacle in China. We thank the local organisers and authorities for their prompt and unified response to these changes."

Free practice will now take place at 6.00 am local time (0.00 am CEST) on both days. Qualifying has been brought forward to 8.00 am (2.00 am CEST), whilst the race will start at 12.05 pm local time (6.05 am CEST).

>>> Drugovich confirmed for Season 13

[07/03 | 3.00 pm] As the Andretti team announced on Thursday, Brazilian Felipe Drugovich will continue to drive for the American team next season. The 26-year-old became the second regular driver alongside Jake Dennis ahead of the current season. Drugovich is delighted to be continuing his relationship with the Andretti team into the new fourth generation of cars.

"I’m really looking forward to continuing this journey with Andretti Formula E," said the Brazilian. "Since joining the team, it has always been our aim to build something that will stand the test of time, and I’m looking forward to being part of the team as we enter the Gen4 era."

A new era, same mission 👊

Felipe Drugovich is confirmed to return for the 2026–27 season pic.twitter.com/xmbGFZ3hcm

— Andretti Formula E (@AndrettiFE) 2 July 2026

>>> Ticktum to drive Gen4 car at Goodwood

[07/03 | 2.20 pm] Formula E announced during the Monaco weekend that it would be taking part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed. At the traditional British hill climb in mid-July, the Gen4 car is set to be unveiled alongside older generations of vehicles. The electric racing series revealed on Thursday exactly who will be driving the car up the hill. Cupra Kiro driver Dan Ticktum will be behind the wheel. The Englishman is already busy preparing, as he has shown on social media.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dan Ticktum (@dan_ticktum)

>>> Daniil Kvyat is driver adviser to the stewards

[07/03 | 2.00 pm] Looking at the FIA’s official announcement of its personnel deployment, one name in particular stands out for this race weekend: racing driver Daniil Kvyat is listed there as a driver adviser to the stewards. The Russian, who currently competes on an Italian licence, is taking on this role for the first time.

>>> Andretti sports a patriotic livery

[07/03 | 1.20 pm] The US team Andretti has chosen a special livery for Shanghai. To mark the 250th anniversary of the USA, the cars driven by Felipe Drugovich and Jake Dennis feature accents that allude to "‘Star and Stripes’, the US national flag.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Andretti INDYCAR & INDY NXT (@andrettiindy)

>>> Lola Yamaha ABT announces partnership with Takasago

[07/03 | 1.05 pm] The Japanese company Takasago is a new partner of the Lola-Yamaha-ABT team. Takasago is a manufacturer of industrial power supplies, which uses its technology to control high-voltage, high-capacity electrical energy. Furthermore, the company offers solutions that support the development of powertrains for electric vehicles, fuel cells and the optimisation of renewable energy. Takasago branding will feature on the Lola cars.

The partnership between the team and the Japanese manufacturer is set to run until the end of the 14th Formula E season.

We’re pleased to announce TAKASAGO, LTD., part of the Anritsu group, as a partner of the team until the end of Season 14 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. pic.twitter.com/39b8kkh8XN

— Lola Yamaha ABT (@LolaFormulaE) 24 June 2026

>>> DS to contest its 150th race in Shanghai

[07/03 | 12.30 am] For car manufacturer DS Automobiles, Sunday’s race in Shanghai is a special one: This will be their 150th race in Formula E. DS has been part of the all-electric championship since Season 2. Initially, the brand spent three seasons as a sponsor of Virgin Racing before taking over the British team’s manufacturer’s licence and developing its own powertrain for the Gen2 era. During these four seasons, the Stellantis brand was associated with Techeetah. Since Season 9, it has been competing alongside its partner Penske under the team name DS Penske.