Mitch Evans Reflects on Strategic Second Place Finish at Madrid E-Prix
In a thrilling display of teamwork and strategy, Mitch Evans secured his third podium of the Formula E season by finishing second at the Circuito del Jarama in Madrid. The Jaguar TCS Racing driver was narrowly beaten by his teammate Antonio Felix da Costa, as the team implemented a decisive order to allow Da Costa to take the victory, resulting in a dominant 1–2 finish for the squad.
Evans Reveals Team Orders and Defensive Focus
Following the race, Evans provided candid insights into his performance, emphasizing that he was not attempting to overtake Da Costa in the closing stages. Instead, his primary objective was to defend his position against the charging Dan Ticktum of Cupra Kiro. "At the end, I wasn't trying to pass him (Antonio). I was told I had to stay behind. I was just trying to protect myself from Dan (Ticktum) behind," Evans explained. He admitted to feeling "very frustrated in the car" but complied with the team's directive, acknowledging that "the team got the result they wanted."
Praise for Strategic Execution and Track Challenges
Evans lauded his strategy team for their pivotal role in the outcome, highlighting how their planning gave him a crucial advantage. "Hats off to my strategy guys. They called it, and I obviously had to execute it, but I had a clear plan from them and, yeah, that's what gave me that kind of advantage towards the end," he stated. He noted that the energy management during the pit window was particularly effective, contributing significantly to his podium finish.
Despite the success, Evans faced considerable challenges on the Circuito del Jarama, describing it as a "great track, very old school" and a "hidden gem." He struggled with pace throughout the weekend, especially in wet conditions, but credited the team's creative strategy for turning the situation around. "Most of the day wasn't too great in terms of pace. I really struggled in the wet, and even yesterday in the dry we struggled. So, yeah, to get creative with the strategy, and we really nailed it today," he added.
Standings and Upcoming Races
With this result, Evans now holds third place in the Formula E Drivers' Standings with 65 points, while Da Costa follows closely in fourth with 64 points. The duo's performance underscores Jaguar TCS Racing's competitive edge this season. After a break of over a month, the championship will resume with a double-header event in Berlin, scheduled from May 1 to 3, where Evans and his rivals will continue their pursuit of the title.
This race not only highlighted Evans' skill and teamwork but also set the stage for an intense battle in the upcoming rounds, as drivers aim to capitalize on every opportunity in the highly competitive electric racing series.
