After months of speculation, Jaguar has finally confirmed the signing of Antonio Felix da Costa on a multi-year contract.
The announcement that da Costa will partner Mitch Evans for the upcoming 12th season of Formula E falls just over two weeks before pre-season testing gets underway in Valencia.
Da Costa replacing Nick Cassidy – the New Zealander has moved to new outfit Citroen – has been speculated for months, dating back to June/July.
Confirmation that da Costa would leave Porsche after three seasons came mid-September, with Jaguar's Wednesday afternoon announcement concluding one of Formula E's longest driver sagas.
An option was on the table for Porsche to retain da Costa for another season, although RacingNews365 understands that the German manufacturer offered the driver the choice to depart.
Da Costa and Porsche was a relationship which had so much promise and potential, but one which, despite several victories, never hit its true heights.
While da Costa supported the team to become teams' and manufacturers' champions last season, a split felt inevitable.
At Jaguar, he will remain a factory driver, supporting the Big Cat in its Gen4 development – Formula E's next era will be introduced at the end of 2026 (Season 13) – while pushing for a second drivers' title in the last season of Gen3.
Da Costa and Evans know each other well and will form one of the strongest pairings on the grid, under the leadership of new team principal Ian James.
It is a squad with a lot of momentum after a staggering end to the most recent campaign, which saw it collect five victories in the last six races. However, a shocking start to Season 11 saw it fail to defend its Season 10 teams' title.
Jaguar is an outfit which has undergone significant change, but has replaced fearsome winners in James Barclay and Cassidy with a duo of equal talent and ability to win.
"Joining Jaguar TCS Racing, a team with a rich legacy in motorsport, is an incredible honour," said da Costa.
"The team’s resilience and pursuit of performance and innovation is something I’ve always admired, and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the impressive Jaguar I-TYPE 7.
"Partnering with Mitch, one of the most experienced drivers in Formula E and a close friend, is a privilege. I’m excited for this next chapter - to learn, push boundaries, and play my part in driving the team forward for Season 12 and beyond."
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