TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team has confirmed that Antonio Felix da Costa will leave the Stuttgart squad after three seasons.
The Portuguese’s place within the German marque‘s ranks has been the subject of longstanding speculation, which has rumbled across the previous two campaigns.
Da Costa joined the team ahead of Season 9, and took one of the greatest wins of his FE career in Cape Town, after a mesmerising last gasp overtake on Jean-Eric Vergne.
Season 10 started under a cloud, as it was revealed the team had tested Nico Mueller with a view to replacing him after just a handful of races.
But it was the motivation da Costa needed, as he then took an emotional win at the next round in Misano, only to be denied by a controversial disqualification.
However, it set the wheels in motion for a superb run of form, taking four wins to revitalise his status within the team and the all-electric championship.
Season 11 saw a higher level of consistency but without reward, as da Costa failed to score a single victory, but played a pivotal role in Porsche achieving the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championships.
But the end of the season was marred by speculation of a fallout with team-mate Pascal Wehrlein.
The Season 6 champion sat on the fence in regard to his future when asked by Motorsport Week at the season finale in London, saying his chances of staying were “50/50”.
But Porsche’s announcement confirms the long-held suspicion that the 34-year-old will be seeking pastures new for Season 12.
Further speculation has pointed da Costa to a switch to Jaguar TCS Racing, having also confirmed to Motorsport Week he would be “definitely” remaining in the sport.
Da Costa hails the ‘honour’ of Porsche Formula E opportunity
In a statement, da Costa concluded that being part of the Porsche brand would be something to feel “proud” of, and thankful to the team for that opportunity.
“I’m happy that it happened instead of being sad that it ends,” he said.
“I raced for one of the most prestigious brands in the world – that’s an honour for me, and I’m proud that this will forever be a part of my career.
“I’ve been part of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team for its three most successful years, and I want to thank every single person that I got to work with during this time.
“This includes the management with Thomas [Laudenbach, Porsche Motorsport Vice President] and Florian [Modlinger, Team Principal], as well as the board.
“A special thank you goes out to my mechanics and my engineers, who accompanied me on this road. Obrigado!”
Modlinger gave da Costa his own personal send-off, saying: “In three very intense years with us, António proved his class – with five victories in the Porsche 99X Electric.
“He impressed everyone in the team above all with his racecraft, how he could read the race and work his way forward.
“I thank António for his achievements, but also for his direct and transparent approach, as well as the appreciation he showed to every single person in the team.
“My thanks also go to his mechanics and engineers; they worked extremely hard to help him regain his qualifying strength.
“Only then were we able to become Teams’ and Manufacturers’ World Champions in July. We wish António all the best.”
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