In the most recent Formula E opening race in Misano, Antonio Felix da Costa defied doubts about his future with Porsche and emerged as the winner. Despite the deteriorated relationship with the team and Porsche’s evaluation of Abt Cupra driver Nico Mueller, da Costa’s chances of continuing with Porsche beyond 2024 seem slim. However, he secured his second victory with the team in a brilliant, yet slightly absurd, manner, starting from 13th on the grid.
As expected, the race on the wide and flowing permanent track saw drivers saving energy for 90% of the time in a cautious pack. The final battle for victory took place during a high-speed breakaway, involving those who survived the chaotic first laps and managed their energy efficiently. Numerous incidents occurred during the energy-saving phase, especially when drivers had to navigate through the narrow chicane of turns 8/9. The championship leaders before the race were the most affected by these incidents.
Pascal Wehrlein, da Costa’s teammate at Porsche and the morning points leader, had to make a pit stop to change the front wing after colliding with Jean-Eric Vergne. Vergne had already received a five-second penalty for an incident in the chicane that also forced Nick Cassidy, Wehrlein’s closest rival in the championship, to make a pit stop to change the front wing. McLaren’s Sam Bird initially seemed to benefit the most in the championship race until suffering a puncture and dropping out of contention.
Despite bodywork damage and numerous contacts in the midfield, Vergne continued racing. As the pace picked up in the final laps, Nissan’s Oliver Rowland led the race and tried to build a gap. However, da Costa managed to keep up and overtake him with two laps to go.
Da Costa maintained his position to secure a memorable victory. Reflecting on his journey in the pack, he joked saying, “what a mess!”. Rowland’s fourth consecutive podium position took him to the top of the championship standings, while defending champion Jake Dennis moved up to second place. Despite challenges throughout the race, Dennis managed to finish fourth on track and secured an official podium position after Vergne’s penalty.
Maximilian Guenther from Maserati MSG finished in fourth, while ERT impressed by finishing fifth and seventh with Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara. Mitch Evans’ Jaguar, who started on pole position, finished between the ERT drivers. Vergne’s damaged car ended up in eighth place.
