Da Costa steals the show on Jeddah Corniche
On a Saturday night filled with speed and excitement, the Jeddah E-Prix 2026, representing the fifth round of the 2026 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, concluded at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. The race, held on February 14, 2026, and organized by the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, saw veteran Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa, driving for the Jaguar TCS Racing team, crowned champion after an exceptional performance.
His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Sport, Mr. Bader bin Abdulrahman Al-Qadi, presented Da Costa with the first-place trophy. His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and the Saudi Motorsports Company, presented the second-place trophy to Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi of the Envision Racing team. British driver Oliver Rowland of the Nissan Formula E team completed the top three, finishing in third place.
Background of the event and its importance to the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of Formula E races is an integral part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global destination for major sporting and entertainment events. This hosting comes as a continuation of a successful track record in the world of motorsports, which began with the Diriyah E-Prix, the first Formula E race held in the Middle East, and continued with hosting Formula 1 races and the Dakar Rally.
The Formula E World Championship, launched in 2014, is more than just a racing series; it's a global platform for innovation and sustainable technology. The championship aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and promote clean mobility solutions in the heart of major global cities, perfectly aligning with the Kingdom's green initiatives and its drive towards a more sustainable future.
Race details and Corniche Circuit challenges
The fifth round was fiercely competitive from the outset, with free practice sessions beginning in the afternoon, followed by qualifying to determine the starting grid. Although Swiss driver Eduardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing secured pole position in qualifying, the main race in the evening was full of surprises and twists. Da Costa managed to advance thanks to a clever strategy and excellent power management on one of the world's fastest street circuits.
The Jeddah Corniche circuit presents a unique challenge to Formula E drivers, as its fast turns and proximity to barriers require high precision and concentration, making each lap of the race a real test of the drivers' skills and the capabilities of their advanced electric cars.
Global impact and upcoming milestones
The Jeddah Grand Prix's impact extends far beyond the local level, reshaping the competitive landscape of the World Championship. With this round concluded, teams and drivers now turn their attention to the upcoming stages of the season. The sixth round will take place in Madrid, Spain, followed by a double-header in Berlin and Monaco. The championship then moves to Asia with three rounds in China and two in Tokyo, before concluding the season with two decisive rounds in London in August. Each race presents a valuable opportunity to accumulate points that will ultimately determine the drivers' and teams' world champions.
