Jaguar pairs two former champions
Stoffel Vandoorne returns to Formula E in a Jaguar TCS Racing race seat alongside António Félix da Costa. The championship’s announcement on 9 November brings the 2021/22 champion back into competition. The Belgian will reunite with Ian James, his former Mercedes-EQ team boss, at the start of the GEN4 era.
A promotion built on an existing relationship
Jaguar announced his reserve role on 24 October 2025 for the 2025/26 season alongside Tom Dillmann. That release described simulator, trackside and GEN4 development contributions. His race-seat return therefore follows a programme inside the team, with experience accumulated ahead of the new technical generation.
Experience is a starting point
In the new announcement, Ian James emphasises Vandoorne’s experience and technical contribution. APEX analysis: an all-champion pairing offers a reference point for experience, but results also depend on integrating the driver into race operations. Familiarity with people and procedures can support that process without removing the need for validation during official weekends.
A career that includes a Tokyo victory
Jaguar’s 2025 release recalls Vandoorne’s experience with HWA, Mercedes-EQ, DS Penske and Maserati. It also records his Tokyo victory during 2024/25 before he moved into the reserve role. Those results provide context for his return. The archive photograph shows his Maserati period rather than Jaguar’s GEN4 car.
