Taylor Barnard topped FP1 at Berlin E-Prix. (Image credit: Instagram) Taylor Barnard seems to be finally back in form after moving to DS Penske. The Formula E driver topped the first free practice session, FP1, at the Berlin E-Prix on Friday. He has been struggling to get back to his top form, like the one he had when he was driving for NEOM McLaren in his rookie year last season, and his Friday performance hints that the driver has finally found his footing. He recorded the fastest time of 57.470s.
Berlin E-Prix 2026 FP1 results
Taylor Barnard not only topped Berlin E-Prix FP1 at the challenging Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit but also comfortably maintained his lead over his competitors.He was followed by Porsche driver and current championship leader Pascal Wehrlein in second. This is Wehrlein’s home race and, with such a result on Friday, he seems to be very much in form to pick up a podium this weekend. Porsche has also introduced a stunning Pink Pig livery for the Berlin E-Prix, where they are marking their 75th motorsport anniversary.Citroen Racing’s Jean-Eric Vergne finished third, followed by DS Penske’s Maximilian Gunther. This is also a home race for Gunther, who is currently looking for a breakthrough to revive his championship challenge. Mahindra Racing’s Edoardo Mortara, who is currently second in the Drivers’ Standings, finished fifth. His team-mate Nyck de Vries joined him in sixth. Cupra Kiro driver Dan Ticktum was seventh, joined by Envision Racing’s Sebastien Buemi in eighth, and Andretti drivers Felipe Drugovich and Jake Dennis in ninth and tenth, respectively.
What’s next at Berlin E-Prix
Saturday has a packed schedule, with the second free practice session, FP2, planned at 9:30 am local time (1 pm IST). It will be followed by Round 7 qualifying at 11:40 am local time (3:10 pm IST). The Round 7 race will take place in the evening at 4:05 pm local time (7:35 pm IST). The schedule will remain the same on Sunday for the Round 8 race.There is still a difference between the two races, as there will be an additional Pit Boost feature in place on Saturday.The weather is expected to be dry and warm in Berlin during the race weekend, with temperatures in the range of 10–27 degrees Celsius.The historic Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit is known for causing high tyre degradation and challenging energy management. One driver who has been winning in Berlin for the last three consecutive seasons is Nick Cassidy. It remains to be seen whether there will be a new winner or a familiar name on the podium.Also read: Formula E veteran Lucas Di Grassi to retire, thanks family and colleagues in emotional note