Antonio Felix da Costa, renowned driver for Tag Heuer Porsche, has sounded a wake-up call to his team. Following a challenging weekend at the inaugural Jeddah E-Prix, da Costa pointedly stated that the competition is closing in, presenting a figurative “kick in the butt” for the Porsche team.
The Portuguese driver, who entered the weekend leading the championship, faced a series of setbacks at the Jeddah E-Prix. After managing a ninth-place finish in Race 1, he was forced to retire in Race 2 due to an early collision with Maximilian Guenther. Consequently, da Costa is now seated third in the championship, falling behind current leader Oliver Rowland and Taylor Barnard, with a 29-point gap separating him from Rowland, the Nissan driver.
The commanding performance of the Nissan powertrain, also used by Barnard’s NEOM McLaren team, was evident during both races. This showcased the strides made by the Japanese brand and solidified the works team’s standing as potential title favorites.
In a post-race interview with media outlets, including Motorsport Week, da Costa indicated that the event served as a stark reminder that Porsche cannot afford complacency. His main takeaway from the weekend was the clear evidence of their competitors’ accelerated progress, making it essential for Porsche to redouble its efforts.
Da Costa expressed optimism, however, viewing this competitive pressure in a positive light. He assured that the team is prepared for the challenge and will work harder than ever to stay ahead.
Rowland, the reigning champion, is perceived by da Costa as the main threat to Porsche’s championship aspirations. The British driver has already matched his previous season’s win record, underscoring the competitive intensity of the current season.
The upcoming break between the Jeddah and Miami E-Prix, scheduled for April 12, offers Porsche an ideal window to regroup and intensify its efforts to maintain its standing as the season’s fastest overall package. Da Costa emphasized the need for continuous improvement to stay ahead of competitors who are also tirelessly working to enhance their performance.
He concluded with an assurance of Porsche’s competitive strength, expressing his conviction that they have a strong enough package to challenge Nissan and Rowland. As the Formula E competition intensifies, the coming races promise to be thrilling for both drivers and fans alike.
