The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League has confirmed that Antonio Felix da Costa will continue to race alongside Pascal Wehrlein for the third consecutive season. Despite a strained relationship with senior leadership throughout the season, da Costa’s recent success in Formula E and negotiations with Porsche have led to this resolution. Last year, da Costa was informed that he could not race in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship, ending his partnership with Jota in the WEC. Plans for da Costa to continue with Jota in 2024 were blocked by Porsche, but he will now stay with the team until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Da Costa had offers from other Formula E teams, but his recent wins and improved performance convinced him to remain with Porsche. The official confirmation of Porsche’s unchanged lineup for next season is expected after the season finale in London. The recent negotiations in the Formula E driver market will have ripple effects on other teams, including Envision, Maserati MSG, Nissan, DS Penske, Andretti, McLaren, Abt Cupra, and ERT. Da Costa’s departure from Porsche would have caused even more chaos in the driver market. While the da Costa saga is now over, it is likely to have aftershocks and new narratives in the Formula E market. Porsche will likely portray the situation as stable, but behind the scenes, da Costa’s manager has been in meetings with Porsche top brass due to his driver’s unhappiness. It is believed that da Costa came close to leaving Porsche, but common sense prevailed to some extent. However, da Costa will not be able to fulfill his wish to be on the WEC grid next season. This may change in 2026 when da Costa is expected to move to another Formula E team.
Porsche felt that da Costa’s focus was diluted after a mediocre 2023 season, despite his victory in Cape Town. Da Costa struggled in qualifying and was outscored by Wehrlein. However, he has made a remarkable comeback this season and has impressed even his detractors within the Porsche team. With da Costa’s assistance, Wehrlein and Porsche’s teams have a chance at the title in London. This ongoing saga in Formula E is one of the most fantastical driver/team stories this writer has ever covered.
Photo from Antonio Felix da Costa Instagram
