António Félix da Costa arrives in Madrid brimming with confidence, following a strong start to the season and a breakthrough victory with his new team, Jaguar, at the 2026 Jeddah E-Prix. That first win has not only confirmed the potential of his car and team but also alleviated the pressure that comes with adapting to a new environment.
For da Costa, this weekend’s inaugural Madrid E-Prix presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The circuit, steeped in motorsport history, will test his technical skill, bravery, and mental focus, while also offering a stage to build on the momentum from Jeddah. Ahead of the race, da Costa addressed the press, including Pi Debrief, giving insight into his mindset, the team’s preparations, and the expectations for what promises to be a fiercely competitive event.
A weight lifted, but expectations raised as da Costa prepares for 2026 Madrid E-Prix
Reflecting on the breakthrough victory in Jeddah, da Costa explained how important it is to achieve success as a team, and how it can positively impact the morale and mindset of everyone involved.
“Yes, I think it’s always good to make sure that we can do it together, you know, as a team. So that’s obviously a very nice thing to achieve whenever you win with a new team—it’s a great feeling.”
While he elaborated on the relief that comes with translating potential into a tangible result, noting that the win carried a collective weight off the team’s shoulders, he was quick to highlight that a single win is only the start. Now, the challenge is to maintain a high standard every weekend and convert opportunity into consistent results.
“The reality is that we have been close and fighting up front and been close to good results, but when you actually get it done, it’s a big weight off of everybody’s shoulders. But equally, now we have to tell ourselves that we’re in it to win it, right? So once we’ve set the bar there, that’s what we’re aiming for every weekend.”
By setting this ambitious mindset, da Costa underlines the philosophy that in Formula E, success is built through preparation, focus, and a refusal to settle.
Fine margins define Formula E competition
Da Costa further explained how competitive the championship has become, and how small details can make the difference between victory and disappointment. In a series where nearly every driver can win on any given weekend, precision and attention to detail are crucial.
“Extremely competitive,” he said about the depth of competition on the current grid. “I think 90% of these cars and drivers can win a race here, so you just need to get a lot of small things right every weekend.”
He also praised the meticulous preparation that goes into every event, noting how teamwork off the track directly influences performance on it. This includes analysing data, fine-tuning setups, and ensuring that each member of the team contributes to the overall performance.
“So I think as a team we’ve been doing that well. It starts with all the preparation back home, but yeah, happy with how we’re progressing, how things feel on and off the car, and yeah.”
The 2026 Madrid E-Prix: A historic circuit meets modern electric racing with a personal element for da Costa
The Jarama circuit presents a special challenge for da Costa. Beyond its technical demands, it carries a historical significance that gives him a unique perspective on the sport. During the press conference, he reflected on the contrast between the circuit’s rich Formula One past and its new life hosting electric racing.
“It’s almost ironic to see Formula E racing here, you know. I wasn’t born yet when F1 was coming here, but this track’s got a lot of history with the motorsport world, and I’ve seen a lot of pictures from my brothers when they were young watching F1 here.”
For da Costa, this weekend has a personal element, as his family will witness a new era of motorsport in a place with deep sentimental value. He also reflected on the rapid development of Formula E and how being part of it allows drivers to make history in a modern context.
“So now they will be here this weekend and watching me race a fully electric race car in the place where they’ve been 40 years ago watching F1. So it’s cool to see where the world is going and what Formula E is able to achieve, and being a part of it, obviously.”
A demanding challenge on track
While the emotional and historical aspects are significant, the circuit itself tests the limits of driver skill. Da Costa highlighted sections requiring maximum commitment, where precision and courage are essential. Thus, executing a perfect lap on such a circuit brings both satisfaction and confidence for the rest of the weekend.
“The track itself is such a good challenge for us as racing drivers. It’s a real commitment track, to put it politely, but I think that’s awesome—turn five, six, seven, massive commitment; turn eight, big commitment. And it’s pretty cool when you put a good lap down here. We obviously were testing here a year and a half ago, but now we’re here for the serious stuff and where points are collected, so it’s going to be cool.”
Strong support in Madrid adds home comfort for da Costa
Da Costa also acknowledged the role of fan support, which adds energy and motivation to the weekend. With the track enhancements, grandstands, and sold-out attendance, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
“Everyone’s done a great job with the makeup that the track has gotten, and it’s the grandstands everywhere, big screens everywhere.”
Although the official home hero, Pepe Martí, draws the most attention, da Costa will also enjoy a near-home environment with many fans travelling from Portugal to cheer him on.
“I know it’s sold out, so a bit of a home race for me as well. I know the real home hero is here, but it’s only a five-hour drive from Lisbon, so I’ll have a lot of people here as well.”
This support adds both motivation and confidence, giving da Costa a psychological boost heading into the weekend. However, he does not underestimate his rivals.
When asked about CUPRA KIRO’s Pepe Martí’s recent performances, he replied: “Yeah, copy paste [what Pascal Wehrlein said]. Every race—doing better and better. It’s been fast from day one, and Jeddah—I mean, your race two was very impressive—so it’s a matter of time until we see him on with some silverware.”
Momentum building for the season ahead
As the inaugural Madrid E-Prix approaches, da Costa will focus on translating his breakthrough success into consistent performance. The combination of team preparation, personal determination, and fan support positions him to challenge for podiums and victories throughout the season.
With every lap, the Portuguese driver looks to build momentum, maintain focus, and establish himself as a frontrunner in one of the most competitive championships in motorsport.
