Image: Andrew Ferraro courtesy of Formula E
Antonio Felix da Costa of Tag Heuer Porsche recently had a conversation with another individual. The Portuguese veteran has had a challenging few weeks. In the previous race in Misano, he experienced a mix of emotions when he won his first race since last season in Cape Town. However, the win was short-lived as it was later taken away due to an illegal throttle damper spring. Despite this setback, da Costa remains optimistic and focused on the positive aspects of his performance. He believes that he and his team have been consistently competitive and fighting for podium finishes in every race since Brazil. Although the start of the season was difficult, da Costa is motivated and enjoying his time on the track.
Da Costa acknowledges that his recent form may have gone unnoticed due to the fast-paced nature of Formula E races. He believes that he has been performing well and has been close to achieving even better results. He reflects on previous races where he was leading at some point or narrowly missed out on a podium finish. Despite the challenges, da Costa remains determined and sees plenty of opportunities ahead.
After winning in Misano, da Costa expressed his emotions to his team, asking them to stay with him. He clarifies that his statement was not only about his personal feelings but also about fostering a sense of unity within the team. He believes that victories and success bring people together and strengthen the team spirit. Da Costa’s goal is to continue racing for Porsche and achieve further success with the brand he loves.
While da Costa’s focus is on his own performance, he acknowledges that his success on the track may also impact his future with Porsche. However, he has shifted his mindset and now races for himself, knowing that if he performs well, it will benefit everyone involved. He remains optimistic about the second half of the season and believes that there are still many opportunities to compete for the title.
Looking ahead to the race in Monaco, da Costa acknowledges that Nissan-powered cars have been strong in previous races. However, he believes that Porsche can challenge them and is confident in the improvements the team has made. Da Costa also expresses his desire for Formula E to prioritize street circuits, like Monaco, as they are the essence of the series. He suggests seeking out larger and faster street circuits rather than relying on purpose-built facilities.
In conclusion, da Costa remains focused on his performance on the track and is determined to turn the season around. He believes in the potential of Porsche and is committed to achieving success with the brand. He also emphasizes the importance of street circuits in Formula E and suggests exploring more options similar to Monaco. A faster and wider street circuit, like Baku, could be a suitable addition to the championship without compromising its core identity.