As the 2025/2026 Formula E season intensifies, Jaguar TCS Racing’s António Félix da Costa arrives in Berlin with confidence, momentum, and a clear focus on consistency. The Tempelhof circuit has historically suited his driving style, and with recent victories under his belt, expectations continue to rise. At the same time, the championship battle demands discipline, adaptability, and strong teamwork across a double-header weekend. While many drivers would focus solely on extending a winning streak, da Costa instead prioritises steady points scoring and long-term success.
Da Costa reflects on his strong record at Tempelhof on Friday at the 2026 Berlin E-Prix
Looking back at his performances at the iconic Tempelhof Airport Street Circuit, António Félix da Costa acknowledged that success in Berlin has never followed a single pattern. Instead, each victory has required a different approach, shaped by evolving car generations and race strategies. This adaptability has become one of his key strengths at the venue.
“They were all very different races, to be honest. To win a race in GEN2 and in GEN3 was very, very different. Out of those three, two were in GEN2, but it’s been traditionally a good place for me. It’s been a good place for Jaguar as well.”
Building on that point, da Costa highlighted the importance of preparation and momentum. Rather than relying on past achievements, he emphasised the work done behind the scenes and the team’s current form.
“So, yeah, we just did our homework. We’ve been on a roll, so hopefully keep it there. Score good points both races.”
Therefore, while history offers encouragement, he approaches the weekend with a forward-looking mindset.
Building momentum with a new team
While familiar with the Tempelhof circuit, da Costa is still in the early stages of his relationship with Jaguar having joined the team ahead of the series opener in São Paulo. Transitioning into a new team environment often brings challenges, yet da Costa has embraced the process. He explained how recent success in Jeddah and Madrid has strengthened relationships within the garage and unlocked a deeper level of collaboration. As a result, performance gains now extend beyond the car itself.
“Yeah, it’s been a fun process to get to know the team and how they work, and obviously when you crack that barrier of a race win or a strong result with a new group of people that you’re working with, you kind of unlock the next phase of the human side of things. So, we’re all in a good place as a racing family, let’s call it like that.”
However, despite the positivity surrounding back-to-back wins, da Costa remains firmly grounded. He deliberately avoids dwelling on recent achievements and instead resets his mindset ahead of each race weekend.
“The goal is to win every race we compete in, that’s no doubt, but to win championships, you need to score big points. I kind of know where I went wrong last year. So, to be honest with you, I’ve already forgotten about the last two races. It’s a full reset now, and yeah, just do our usual thing and it should be okay to score some good points.”
Consequently, his approach reflects maturity and a clear understanding of what it takes to mount a title challenge.
Da Costa addresses the role of Qualifying in Berlin ahead of competitive action at the 2026 E-Prix
Qualifying often defines race outcomes in Formula E, yet Berlin presents a slightly different challenge. The wide, open layout of Tempelhof can create more overtaking opportunities, reducing the absolute importance of starting position. Even so, da Costa continues to push for improvement in this area.
“It’s probably not the most important place, I would say, but regardless of that, you always want to qualify at the front. I have not been on pole yet in GEN3. I think I had the most poles on the last year of GEN2, or the best average Qualifying or something like that, but I haven’t been on pole yet with GEN3.”
He then expanded on how close he has come to securing pole position, underlining both consistency and unfinished business in Qualifying sessions.
“So, a lot of P2s and P3s and P4s, so we’ve been close. Hopefully, I can get one done until the end of this generation. But yeah, it’s not the most critical place. I think when we start going to places like Tokyo, London, Qualifying will be a little bit more critical, but still, that doesn’t matter. We always want to qualify at the front.”
Da Costa reflects on teammate changes with Mitch Evans set to depart Jaguar at the season’s end
Away from on-track performance, team dynamics continue to evolve. The upcoming departure of Mitch Evans adds an emotional dimension to the season, especially given their long-standing relationship. Da Costa spoke candidly about the personal impact while also recognising the professional realities of the sport.
“Yeah, it’s obviously a personal sad moment. Me and Mitch, we [have got] on well for many years. We were actually partners off the track as well in some business ventures. We obviously have a relationship on the racetracks, but also off the racetracks. Managing my own career is hard enough, so I can’t decide for him what to do and the team, so it’s out of my hands, out of my control.”
Despite this uncertainty, he remains focused on making the most of their remaining time as teammates. Importantly, he emphasised cooperation over rivalry in pursuit of the championship.
“But looking at the glass half full, and we still have half the season to go together, so we’ll try to use it to our advantage. Hopefully, one of us can take the crown at the end. If it’s not me, I’ll be there to help him do it if it comes to that.”
Paying tribute to a Formula E pioneer
In addition to team changes, the paddock also prepares to say goodbye to one of its most influential figures, Lucas di Grassi. His departure marks the end of an era for Formula E, and da Costa took time to reflect on his broader impact.
“I think Lucas is much more than just a racing driver. What he’s done for the sport in general, but for Formula E has been remarkable. It’s an emotional one to see him go.”
He also shared a more personal insight, revealing that the announcement came as a surprise despite recent conversations.
“I’ve actually shared a couple of good moments with him lately off the track, and he did tell me he was going to do the year in GEN4. So I told him yesterday that I was sad to see the announcement, because I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
Looking ahead, da Costa expressed hope that di Grassi will continue contributing to the sport in a different capacity, underlining his lasting importance to the Formula E community.
“But hopefully we will be granted with the honour of having him around, both on a management position, either that with the race team, with the FIA, with Formula E. But we will be very lucky to have him around for the future of Formula E.”
