Antonio Felix da Costa, the winner of the second race at the Tempelhof circuit, shared his thoughts on the unique nature of Formula E races. He clarified that when he referred to “real drivers,” he was not insinuating that the fastest driver always wins. Instead, he highlighted the abundance of side-by-side racing, overtaking, defensive driving, and overall excitement in Formula E. He contrasted this with his experiences in other racing series, such as Formula 1 and WEC, where drivers often maintain their positions throughout the race. Da Costa drew a comparison between Formula E and Moto3 races, noting the presence of slipstreaming and occasional contact. He also emphasized the importance of managing relationships with other drivers, as their interactions on track can influence future encounters. Da Costa shared an example of a situation with Rowland in Tokyo, where he complained about being pushed towards the wall, but then retaliated in Monaco. This exchange exemplifies the give-and-take dynamic that exists in Formula E races.
The weekend in Berlin evoked several emotions reminiscent of the race weekend in Misano, where several drivers voiced their opinions on the field. Jean-Eric Vergne even threatened to leave FE if this continues. When asked about the possibility of establishing a Drivers’ Association in FE, similar to its counterpart in F1, da Costa responded: “Maybe [yes].
“In racing, my biggest concern and priority are the fans. If they can say, ‘Wow, what an incredible spectacle, we were on the edge of our seats,’ then that’s perfect. Fans have the power to make or break a series or sport.
“It’s no longer about my personal pleasure of driving this car or racing. If we can provide them with the show they desire, then that’s perfect.
“We witness long and short races every weekend, and I agree that short races balance energy efficiency and pack racing better. There are adjustments and improvements to be made, and Formula E acknowledges that. By conducting two different types of races, they are experimenting to determine the way forward. It is encouraging to see that Formula E and the FIA are addressing this issue with an open mind.
“For me, it is enjoyable to have a mix.
“We have a variety of races, such as Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Monaco, and London, and we know that pack racing is more focused on energy and strategy. It would be ideal to have a season that incorporates both elements. Whether it’s 70% of one and 30% of the other, or a 50-50 split, it’s not my decision. We should listen to the fans and ensure their satisfaction.”
