Antonio Felix da Costa is heading into Season 11 of the FIA Formula E World Championship with renewed confidence and a team he believes has the tools to claim the championship crown. After a rollercoaster Season 10, where his seat at Tag Heuer Porsche was under threat, da Costa responded with a defiant comeback, winning four races and proving his worth as one of the series’ elite drivers.
“We Have the Ingredients to Win”
Reflecting on his journey and the team’s evolution, da Costa expressed optimism about their chances in the new season.
“I feel sometimes it’s natural for people to relax a bit after a big achievement like winning a championship, but that hasn’t been the case here,” said da Costa, referencing teammate Pascal Wehrlein and Porsche’s Season 9 triumph. “The team is pushing harder than ever, especially with the work behind the new [GEN3] Evo car. We’ve put in the work, and now it’s time to clean up and execute.”
Da Costa’s strategy for success is clear: consistency. Despite securing five podiums last year, all were victories. The flip side? When he didn’t win, he often finished outside the points. “That’s not the way to win a championship,” he admitted. “We need to capitalize even on the bad days—finishing fifth, fourth, or seventh when we can’t win. That’s how you win championships.”
“Rising from a Dark Hole”
Da Costa’s resurgence came after Porsche tested Nico Müller, reportedly considering him as a potential replacement mid-season. The Portuguese driver responded with defiance, delivering standout performances, including wins in Berlin, China, and both races in Portland.
Reflecting on the pivotal moment, da Costa said, “Last year was a serious learning experience. From being in a dark hole, I learned how to bounce back stronger, as a driver, athlete, and team player. Now, we’re much better prepared for tough days.”
He also noted a mindset shift midway through last season: “I stopped worrying about what others thought—bosses, sponsors—and focused on racing for myself. When I do that, everyone else benefits as a consequence.”
“Cracking the Hankook Tyre Puzzle”
One of the key challenges for the upcoming season has been adapting to the new Hankook tyres introduced for the GEN3 Evo cars. Da Costa described the tyres as “a nutcracker,” with behaviors that vary significantly over their lifespan.
“It’s amazing when new but becomes very understeer-heavy later. We’ve been trying to figure out compensations for different stages of tyre life,” he explained. While testing days put extra stress on the tyres, da Costa is optimistic about Porsche’s ability to adapt during race weekends.
“Pit Boost: A Game-Changer for Formula E”
Da Costa is a strong advocate for the new Pit Boost system, the long-discussed implementation of fast-charging pit stops in Formula E. “It brings a cool dynamic to the race,” he said, describing how strategic pit stops could reshuffle the order and create exciting moments for fans.
Beyond entertainment, da Costa believes Pit Boost aligns with Formula E’s mission to advance electric vehicle technology. “There’s a stigma about EVs needing long charging times, but this shows it’s possible to charge a car in five minutes. It’s a powerful message for electric mobility.”
However, he emphasized the need for reliability. “The system has to work flawlessly. We can’t have races ruined because of charging failures. Maybe there’s a middle ground—slower charging speeds to ease stress on the batteries—but I’m fully supportive of the initiative.”
“Season 11: A New Chapter for Porsche and da Costa”
As Season 11 approaches, da Costa is poised to capitalize on the momentum he built in the latter half of 2024. With a focus on consistency, strategic adaptability, and teamwork, he believes Porsche is well-equipped to challenge for the title.
“We’ve learned so much from last year,” he said. “We have the ingredients to perform and put together a great season.”
Whether da Costa and Porsche can turn those ingredients into a championship recipe will be one of the key storylines to watch as Formula E’s 11th season unfolds.
