Da Costa wins the 2026 Saudi Arabia Formula E race and makes exciting statements
Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa, star of the Jaguar TCS Racing team, achieved a remarkable feat by securing first place in the fifth round of the 2026 Formula E season, hosted by Saudi Arabia amidst highly competitive conditions. This victory further solidifies da Costa's position in the championship and underscores the significant progress being made in electric motorsports in the region.
This race is a continuation of the successful strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Formula E World Championship. Since 2018, the Kingdom has been hosting these global races, from the historic city of Diriyah to the state-of-the-art circuits of Jeddah. These events are part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to strengthen the sports sector and attract major international events, making Saudi Arabia a prime destination for leading drivers and teams in the field of sustainable electric vehicles.
In the press conference following the victory, Da Costa attributed his success to the meticulous teamwork of his entire squad, noting that Formula E racing demands absolute precision, requiring every technical and engineering element to be executed to the highest standards. He explained that this race held special significance as it marked his 150th career race, adding that the win was the best way to repay the hard work and dedication of his team.
The Portuguese champion added, praising the Saudi role: “Whether we are racing in Diriyah or Jeddah, Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in supporting this championship, not only through hosting, but also through investment and the development of technologies. We are grateful for this support and look forward to continuing to race here for many years to come, especially with the anticipated arrival of the fourth generation (Gen4) of cars, which will give the competition a new dimension and higher speeds.”.
For his part, Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi finished second, expressing relative satisfaction with the result despite his ambition to win. Buemi emphasized that his team deserved a strong result, noting that the difference between first and second place lay in very small details that weren't fully executed. However, he added that completing a flawless race boosts confidence and positivity for the remainder of the season.
In a pleasant surprise for his team, Briton Oliver Rowland managed to snatch third place and climb onto the podium. Rowland revealed the mental and technical difficulties he faced before the race, suffering from a lack of confidence and a poor feel for the car. He explained that the extensive changes the team made in search of solutions served as a "reset" of his mindset, enabling him to exceed expectations and achieve a strong finish despite the challenges. He emphasized that the credit goes to the collective effort that compelled him to fight until the very last moment.
