The London E-Prix was supposed to be a coronation for Pascal Wehrlein, but instead it became the stage for one of Formula E’s most explosive feuds to reach a new, bitter crescendo. The German driver secured his second world title, yet the spotlight was shared with Antonio Felix da Costa, whose aggressive tactics as a blocker for Jaguar left Wehrlein furious and the paddock buzzing.
A Race Within a Race
Wehrlein arrived at the season finale with a narrow points lead, but his path to glory was complicated by Jaguar’s strategic use of da Costa. With Mitch Evans still in mathematical contention, da Costa was deployed to slow Wehrlein and create an opening for his team-mate. The Portuguese driver executed his role with relish, engaging in a series of fraught duels that had both drivers on edge.
The tension was palpable on the radio. Da Costa, clearly animated, delivered a message that hinted at a long-simmering grievance: “They are just getting a taste of their own medicine. Don’t f*** with me.” Wehrlein, for his part, responded with derision, mocking da Costa as a “sore loser” and boasting of beating him “three years in a row.”
The on-track battles were intense but mostly clean, with only a minor touch on the final lap. However, the stewards were kept busy, handing five-second penalties to both drivers for separate incidents involving Jake Dennis. Wehrlein’s penalty came from contact with Dennis and Joel Eriksson in a moment that briefly cost him the live points lead, while da Costa was penalized for his own clash with Dennis.
Accusations and Counter-Accusations
After the race, Wehrlein did not mince words, describing da Costa’s driving as “one of the most unsporting and unfair things I have seen.” He went further, alleging that da Costa spent 20 laps trying to ruin his race with brake-testing and pushing him towards the walls. “That’s how it is if you have enemies in the paddock,” he added, a phrase that captured the toxic atmosphere.
Da Costa, however, was unrepentant. He claimed his actions were a direct response to Porsche’s tactics from the previous day, where Nico Mueller was used as a spoiler against Evans. “I didn’t like what they did yesterday,” da Costa explained. “When I saw that lap one they started it again, I said, ‘OK, I deploy my plan B’ and I played their game. They have no right to say anything. We did nothing that they haven’t done before.”
He also accused Porsche of political gamesmanship, suggesting they couldn’t have it both ways. “If you do bad things to people, people will do bad things to you,” he said, while insisting his driving was within the rules. “Look at the guidelines, I did nothing wrong.”
Strategic Warfare
Da Costa’s tactics were undeniably effective for Jaguar, as Evans managed to pass both Wehrlein and da Costa in a coordinated move that briefly shook up the title picture. However, Evans ultimately fell short, unable to close the gap to the leaders in time. Wehrlein’s title was secured, but the manner of his victory left a sour taste.
The stewards’ decision not to penalize the final-lap contact between Wehrlein and da Costa added another layer of intrigue. They ruled that neither driver was predominantly at fault, a verdict that seemed to reflect the chaotic nature of their battle.
Looking Ahead
As Formula E prepares for the Gen4 era, Wehrlein issued a warning to his rivals, one that hinted at lingering animosity. “Everyone’s against me!” he exclaimed. “Bet against me! Try it. Be sure I remember everything for the future.”
The feud between these two drivers has been a recurring theme in recent seasons, and it shows no signs of cooling. With both men likely to remain at the sharp end of the grid, the stage is set for more fireworks in the seasons to come.
For now, Wehrlein can celebrate his championship, but the London E-Prix will be remembered as much for the bitterness as for the triumph. It was a reminder that in the high-stakes world of electric racing, rivalries can burn as fiercely as any internal combustion engine.
