The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship made a historic debut in the Spanish capital, where António Félix da Costa secured a spectacular victory at the FE 2026 – CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix – Race. Driving for Jaguar TCS Racing, da Costa led a commanding one-two finish alongside teammate Mitch Evans, successfully navigating a high-stakes PIT BOOST strategy and a late-race sprint. The event, held at the Circuito del Madrid Jarama – RACE, was attended by His Majesty King Felipe VI and a star-studded crowd, witnessing a tactical masterclass as the Jaguar pair fended off a damaged but resilient Pascal Wehrlein. This result significantly tightens the title fight, leaving Jaguar just four points adrift of Porsche in the Teams’ standings as the series heads toward the European summer.
Jaguar Strategy and the Sprint to the Flag
The session flow was dictated by the integration of the PIT BOOST stops, which reshaped the order after the opening ten laps. António Félix da Costa, starting from third, opted for an early stop on Lap 12 to gain track position, a move that placed him at the head of a four-way battle for the lead. As the race reached its climax, the top four drivers were separated by less than a second, with da Costa utilizing a late ATTACK MODE deployment to maintain his advantage. Mitch Evans showcased blistering pace in the closing stages, recovering from further back on the grid to challenge his teammate, but da Costa’s defensive placement was flawless. The victory marks back-to-back wins for the Portuguese driver, who crossed the line just ahead of Evans and a fast-charging Pascal Wehrlein.
Early Shunts and Rear Wing Damage
The 2026 CUPRA Raval Madrid E-Prix was not without significant contact, most notably an early-race incident involving championship leader Pascal Wehrlein and Mahindra’s Nyck de Vries. De Vries collided with the rear of Wehrlein’s Porsche, causing substantial damage that left the German’s rear wing visibly sagging and rubbing against his tire. Despite the aerodynamic handicap, Wehrlein managed to maintain a podium-contesting pace, while de Vries was later penalized for the shunt. Local favorite Pepe Martí also experienced a rollercoaster afternoon; after leading early to the delight of the Spanish fans, he eventually dropped back to finish ninth, struggling to maintain energy parity with the leading Jaguar and Porsche units during the frantic final laps.
Opel Joins the GEN4 Era and AI Innovations
Beyond the on-track action, the Madrid event served as a major platform for future technical announcements within the championship. Opel officially confirmed its entry into the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for Season 13, coinciding with the highly anticipated GEN4 era. Operating as the Opel GSE Formula E Team, the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer intends to leverage the series to showcase its all-electric GSE production technology. Additionally, the series launched a new AI-powered Race Centre in partnership with Infosys. Utilizing the Topaz AI platform, this technical hub is designed to enhance fan engagement through real-time data immersion, marking a significant step forward in the digital infrastructure of electric motorsport.
Championship Standings and the Road to Berlin
The classification at the end of the Madrid E-Prix sees Pascal Wehrlein maintain his lead in the Drivers’ Championship with 11 points over Edoardo Mortara, despite his damaged car. António Félix da Costa’s victory catapults him to fourth in the standings, firmly establishing him as a title protagonist. In the battle for manufacturer supremacy, Jaguar TCS Racing has closed the gap to Porsche to just three points, setting up a high-tension double-header in Germany. The paddock now shifts its focus to the Tempelhof Airport circuit for the Berlin E-Prix on May 2 and 3, where the championship battle is expected to intensify further on the abrasive concrete surface of the historic airfield.
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | António Félix da Costa | Jaguar TCS Racing |
| 2 | Mitch Evans | Jaguar TCS Racing |
| 3 | Pascal Wehrlein | Porsche Formula E Team |
| 4 | Dan Ticktum | CUPRA Kiro |
| 5 | Edoardo Mortara | Mahindra Racing |
| 6 | Sébastien Buemi | Envision Racing |
| 7 | Jake Dennis | Andretti Formula E |
| 8 | Nico Mueller | Porsche Formula E Team |
| 9 | Pepe Martí | CUPRA Kiro |
| 10 | Joel Eriksson | Envision Racing |
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Source: Formula E
