Fresh off back-to-back victories in Portland, TAG Heuer Porsche’s Antonio Felix da Costa has catapulted himself back into contention for a second championship title. Despite his recent successes, the seasoned driver remains grounded. “In my 20-plus years of racing, I’ve had moments where it seemed like I could do no wrong,” da Costa shared during the post-race press conference in Portland. “But I’ve also faced times when, despite doing everything right, the results just wouldn’t come.”
While da Costa experienced a slow start to the season, the latter half has been a different story. Reclaiming his form, the former champion has triumphed in four of the last five Formula E races, maintaining an unbroken winning streak since Shanghai. Notably, even during his title-winning season, da Costa did not achieve this level of consistent success. “I’ll never take this for granted. We’ll savor these moments, keep working hard, and stay sharp,” he said. “You never know when your last win will be. Hopefully, there are many more to come, but for now, we’ll enjoy this and keep pushing forward.”
Da Costa’s recent wins have propelled him into the title contention, placing him fourth in the standings with 134 points, just 33 points behind the leader, Jaguar TCS Racing’s Nick Cassidy. Cassidy’s mishap in Portland, which saw him leave with no additional points, has opened up the title race. Cassidy’s teammate Mitch Evans and da Costa’s fellow Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein are tied in points, with Wehrlein leading da Costa by just 21 points.
Given the rollercoaster season, da Costa has focused not only on his physical fitness but also on his mental well-being. “My mental coach, Pedro, has become a friend. He’s crucial during tough times and equally important during the good moments – helping me manage relationships, happiness, sadness, and frustration. It’s like going to the gym for your mind. He’s a workout for my brain, and I value that.”
As the London finale approaches, da Costa is gearing up for what could be his toughest challenge yet. With four top drivers in strong contention, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown in the UK capital. “I just need to stay fit and ensure I arrive in London well-prepared,” da Costa noted, fully aware of the championship’s unpredictable nature.
The London finale promises high stakes and intense competition as da Costa aims for another championship title in the ever-thrilling world of Formula E.