Stoffel Vandoorne will return to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with Jaguar TCS Racing for the introduction of the GEN4 regulations. The Belgian, who claimed the 2021/22 Drivers’ World Championship, will partner fellow former champion António Félix da Costa as the British outfit prepares for the next generation of electric racing.
Vandoorne returns to a full-time race seat after spending a year away from Formula E competition, during which he worked with Jaguar as its Reserve and Development Driver. His promotion also reunites him with Team Principal Ian James, under whom he secured his championship title at Mercedes-EQ.
The Belgian brings extensive experience to Jaguar’s line-up, having competed in more than 100 Formula E races since making his debut with HWA Racelab in the 2018/19 season. He subsequently raced for Mercedes-EQ, DS Penske and Maserati MSG Racing before departing the championship following the 2025 London E-Prix.
James welcomes Vandoorne as Jaguar targets further success
Jaguar TCS Racing enters the GEN4 era looking to build on its recent success in the Teams’ World Championship. With two former Drivers’ World Champions behind the wheel, the team hopes to establish itself as a leading contender under the new technical regulations. Vandoorne’s previous involvement in Jaguar’s GEN4 development programme has already allowed him to establish a working relationship with the team. James believes the Belgian’s technical knowledge and experience make him an ideal addition alongside da Costa.
“I know the calibre of driver and person that Stoffel is, and, after working closely with him over the past year as part of our GEN4 development programme, the entire team has seen those qualities for themselves. His experience, technical insight and proven ability to perform at the highest level make him a natural fit alongside António as we enter a new era of Formula E.”
The introduction of GEN4 represents a significant technological step for Formula E. The new cars will produce up to 600kW in ATTACK MODE and reach speeds exceeding 335km/h. Meanwhile, the championship expects the cars to deliver considerably quicker lap times than their GEN3 predecessors. Beyond its sporting ambitions, Jaguar also views its Formula E programme as an important part of its wider transition towards an all-electric future.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing. On track, we’re building on the momentum of our recent Teams’ World Championship success as we begin the GEN4 era, and off track, we’re helping shape Jaguar’s all-electric future following the launch of Type 01. With Stoffel and António, we have a driver line-up that combines championship-winning talent, experience and determination, and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
Vandoorne excited to return to Formula E competition
For Vandoorne, the move marks a return to competitive Formula E racing after his departure from Maserati MSG Racing at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season. The 2021/22 World Champion enjoyed his greatest success with Mercedes-EQ, where his consistency throughout the campaign helped him secure the title. Since then, he has continued to gain experience across different teams and generations of Formula E machinery.
Having spent the past year contributing to Jaguar’s development preparations, Vandoorne now has the opportunity to translate that work into results on track. His familiarity with the team should also help him adapt as the championship introduces its new regulations. The Belgian expressed his enthusiasm about returning to the grid and continuing his relationship with Jaguar in a competitive role.
“Having already spent a year with Jaguar TCS Racing as Reserve and Development Driver, I know first-hand the talent, commitment and ambition that exists throughout the team. I’m incredibly excited to step into a full-time race seat and return to Formula E competition. It’s a championship I love, a team I now know well, and I’m looking forward to helping build on the strong foundations we’ve established together.”
With Vandoorne and da Costa forming an experienced, championship-winning partnership, Jaguar heads towards GEN4 with a driver pairing familiar with the demands of Formula E. Their combined experience, alongside Vandoorne’s existing development work, could prove valuable as the team looks to establish itself at the front of the field.
