Stoffel Vandoorne handed Jaguar seat in Formula E career lifeline

Jaguar has confirmed Stoffel Vandoorne as Mitch Evans' replacement for the opening season of Formula E's Gen4 era, with the Belgian lining up alongside António Félix da Costa for the 2027 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Vandoorne arrives with a proven track record, having won four Formula E races and claimed the 2022 world drivers' title during his time with Mercedes-EQ, where he also helped the squad to two consecutive teams' championships.

However, Vandoorne struggled across the Gen3 era, spending 2023 and 2024 with DS Penske before joining Maserati. Following a poor 2025 campaign with the Italian brand, Vandoorne found himself without a seat on the grid.

As a result, for the 2026 campaign the Belgian served as Jaguar's reserve driver, a role in which he played a central part in developing the team's new Gen4 challenger, the I-Type 08.

Vandoorne, who will race the #5 car, said his year working as reserve and development driver had given him a clear picture of what the team is building towards.

"Having already spent a year with Jaguar TCS Racing as Reserve and Development Driver, I know first-hand the talent, commitment and ambition that exists throughout the team," Vandoorne said.

"I'm incredibly excited to step into a full-time race seat and return to Formula E competition. It's a championship I love, a team I now know well, and I'm looking forward to helping build on the strong foundations we've established together."

Vandoorne and da Costa now form one of the grid's most decorated line-ups. Between them, the pair have made 264 Formula E race starts, taken 18 wins, 49 podiums and 16 pole positions, and both carry a world title to their name.

Jaguar banking on immense Stoffel Vandoorne experience

Vandoorne's arrival comes at a significant moment for Jaguar, fresh off winning the teams' title last season. 

The seat at Jaguar is a significant one, and could prove to be Vandoorne's final chance to shine in the all-electric series following his tricky period across Gen3. 

Many drivers fail to return to Formula E once falling off the grid, but Vandoorne's experience, pedigree and ability when the car is in his favour could see him thrive once again.

Team principal Ian James said he had seen the qualities of Vandoorne up close over the past year of Gen4 development work.

"I know the calibre of driver and person that Stoffel is and, after working closely with him over the past year as part of our Gen4 development programme, the entire team has seen those qualities for themselves," James said.

"His experience, technical insight and proven ability to perform at the highest level make him a natural fit alongside António as we enter a new era of Formula E.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone at Jaguar TCS Racing. On track, we're building on the momentum of our recent teams' world championship success as we begin the Gen4 era and, off track, we're helping shape Jaguar's all-electric future following the launch of Type 01. 

"With Stoffel and António, we have a driver line-up that combines championship-winning talent, experience and determination, and we're looking forward to what we can achieve together."