In the latest race of Formula E’s Misano opener, Antonio Felix da Costa defied the doubts surrounding his future with Porsche and emerged as the winner. Despite a deteriorating relationship with the team and Porsche’s assessment of Abt Cupra driver Nico Mueller, da Costa’s chances of continuing with Porsche beyond 2024 seem slim. However, he secured his second win with the team in a brilliant yet slightly absurd manner, starting from 13th on the grid.
As anticipated, the race on the wide and flowing permanent track saw drivers conserving energy for 90% of the time in a cautious pack. The final battle for victory took place during a flat-out breakaway, featuring those who had survived the chaotic early laps and managed their energy efficiently. Countless incidents occurred during the energy-saving phase, particularly when drivers had to navigate the narrow Turn 8/9 chicane. Pre-race championship leaders suffered the most in these incidents.
Pascal Wehrlein, da Costa’s Porsche teammate and the morning’s points leader, had to pit for a new front wing after colliding with Jean-Eric Vergne. Vergne had already received a five-second penalty for a chicane incident that also forced Nick Cassidy, Wehrlein’s closest championship rival, to pit for a new front wing. McLaren’s Sam Bird initially seemed to benefit the most in the championship race until he suffered a puncture and dropped out of contention.
Despite broken bodywork and numerous mid-pack contacts, Vergne continued to race. As the pace picked up in the final laps, Oliver Rowland of Nissan led the race and attempted to build a gap. However, da Costa managed to keep up with him and overtook him with two laps remaining.
Da Costa maintained his position to secure a memorable victory. Reflecting on his journey through the pack, he jokingly remarked, “what a mess!” Rowland’s fourth consecutive podium finish propelled him to the top of the championship standings, while reigning champion Jake Dennis climbed to second place. Despite facing challenges throughout the race, Dennis managed to finish fourth on the road and secured an official podium position after Vergne’s penalty.
Maserati MSG’s Maximilian Guenther finished fourth, while ERT impressed by finishing fifth and seventh with Dan Ticktum and Sergio Sette Camara. Mitch Evans’s Jaguar, who started from pole position, was sandwiched between the ERT drivers. Vergne’s battered car ultimately finished in eighth place.