Formula E: Are the Porsche Drivers the Favourites for the Championship?

After scoring a double podium at the Miami E-Prix, both Porsche drivers will likely challenge Oliver Rowland for the title in Formula E.

Everything You Need to Know About Porsche in Formula E

Antonio Felix da Costa and Pascal Wehrlein represent the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team in Season 11 of Formula E.

Both drivers bring championship-winning experience to the team. Da Costa claimed the title in Season 6, while Wehrlein secured his in Season 10. Since becoming teammates in Season 9, they have pushed each other to the top of the standings.

Last season, they were firmly in the fight for the drivers’ championship, although it was ultimately Wehrlein who triumphed. Porsche, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on the teams’ championship, finishing second behind Jaguar TCS Racing.

Porsche’s near-miss in the teams’ standings stemmed largely from da Costa’s tough start to the season. His campaign was a victim of inconsistency: two retirements, one disqualification, and five races finished outside the points.

Wehrlein, by contrast, demonstrated remarkable consistency, failing to score points in only two races throughout Season 10. That steadiness proved vital in his path to the championship.

From Touring Cars to Electric Racing: What Are the Drivers’ Backgrounds?

Both Porsche drivers bring a wealth of experience from across motorsport.

Each competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) before entering Formula E. Wehrlein, notably, won the DTM title in 2015 by scoring points regularly across the season. His performance paved the way to Formula 1, where he raced for Manor Racing in 2016 and Sauber in 2017.

Endurance racing also features in their careers.

Da Costa competed far more extensively. He won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2022 in the LMP2 class and has repeatedly placed near the top of the World Endurance Championship standings. His team, Jota Sport, finished third in both the 2019–20 and 2021 seasons, and clinched first in 2022.

Who is Porsche’s Strongest Competitor?

Determining which of the two drivers is more likely to win the Formula E title involves examining several key factors.

Both have claimed multiple wins and podiums for Porsche, as well as for previous teams. However, performance in this championship is not just about numbers.

Consistency and mentality are important. Scoring in every race reduces the risk of losing valuable points, while a positive, forward-looking mindset allows drivers to stay competitive. Dwelling on past mistakes only hinders progress.

Looking at the numbers, da Costa holds the advantage in experience and statistics. In over 133 starts in Formula E, he has achieved 12 wins, 26 podiums, 8 pole positions, 4 fastest laps, and 855 points.

Wehrlein, meanwhile, has recorded 8 wins, 14 podiums, 8 poles, 4 fastest laps, and 620 points across 85 starts.

Experience counts for a lot in Formula E. It provides a deeper understanding of race strategy, energy management, and how to optimise a car’s setup. These are factors that contribute to smoother weekends and stronger results.

Of course, Porsche must also ensure the car remains competitive and reliable to support both drivers’ title ambitions.

At present, da Costa sits second in the drivers’ standings, just ahead of Wehrlein in third. This margin highlights how tight the battle is likely to be.

Da Costa currently looks more in form and appears highly motivated. His wealth of experience could prove decisive in helping him secure another title.

Given the momentum he has built, he seems well placed to maximise his chances of winning.

Why is Porsche the Likely Title Challenger?

Porsche looks poised to challenge for both the drivers’ and teams’ championships.

Their success rests heavily on having two top-tier drivers who regularly finish in the points. In a series as competitive as Formula E, this balance between teammates is crucial.

Although both da Costa and Wehrlein have experienced setbacks, such as when each failed to finish a race once in Jeddah, they remain strong overall.

To maintain their lead in the standings, they must avoid point-less races and continue delivering solid results.