Da Costa Secures Consecutive Formula E Victory in Madrid
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Antonio Felix da Costa of Jaguar TCS Racing claimed victory at the Madrid E-Prix held at the Circuito del Jarama. The Portuguese driver celebrated his second consecutive win in front of his family and a distinguished guest, King Felipe VI of Spain, who watched from the grandstands.
Strategic Mastery Leads to Podium Finish
Starting from third position on the grid, Da Costa executed the Pit Boost strategy to perfection. He was the first driver to enter the pits for his mandatory stop on Lap 12, a move that proved crucial in the race's outcome. As the race unfolded, he activated Attack Mode late, matching the pace of his competitors while capitalizing on the strategic pit stops.
Da Costa later shared his joy on Instagram, posting a video from the celebrations with the caption: “DAC SHACK. Celebrating a win in front of your friends and family! #CupraRavalMadridEPrix #FormulaE #Motorsport #Racing.” The post garnered enthusiastic responses, including from surfer Frederico Morais, who jokingly called him an “animal.” Fans expressed their excitement, with one noting, “Wow... I almost had a heart attack during those last few laps, I couldn’t even sit down! Great race, master @afelixdacosta.”
Team Success and Royal Recognition
The victory marked a significant team achievement, as Da Costa shared the podium with his Jaguar TCS Racing teammate Mitch Evans, who finished second for his third podium of the season. Pascal Wehrlein of Porsche completed the podium in third place. This one-two finish for Jaguar TCS Racing highlighted their strong performance in the championship.
In a post-race statement, Da Costa expressed his elation: “Back-to-back wins, a one-two for the team, that doesn’t happen often! Massive congratulations to all the boys and girls back in the UK providing us with these cars.” He added, “It’s kind of a home race for me; I have a lot of friends and family here and it’s a bit of a dream day.” He also praised Evans, saying, “I’m happy for Mitch [Evans], he must have driven an amazing race. I’ve got to go back and watch that because he came from the back!”
The event gained further prestige with the presence of King Felipe VI, who posed for a group photo with the drivers. Formula E commemorated the occasion on social media, stating: “A race fit for a King. It was great to have Felipe VI join us in Madrid.” This royal attendance underscored the growing prominence of electric motorsport on the global stage.
Fan Reactions and Future Prospects
Fans celebrated the family-oriented atmosphere, with one highlighting the “family’s support” as Da Costa cheered alongside them. Another fan called for more races on permanent circuits, suggesting, “It’s time for more races on permanent circuits.” This win follows Da Costa’s previous victory in Jeddah during Round 5 last month, solidifying his position as a top contender in the Formula E championship.
The Madrid E-Prix not only showcased high-octane racing but also emphasized the importance of strategy and teamwork in motorsport. With back-to-back wins, Da Costa and Jaguar TCS Racing are poised for continued success as the season progresses, drawing attention from fans and royalty alike.
