End of an era in Formula E: Mitch Evans and Jaguar part ways at the end of 2026

It's the end of an era in the paddock of the Formula EHaving joined Jaguar in 2016 for their initial Season 3 commitment, Mitch Evans has spent his entire electric racing career with a single manufacturer. His remarkable record includes 15 wins, 36 podium finishes, 10 pole positions, and 1064 points, a streak that will come to an end at the conclusion of Season 12.

Ian James, Team Principal of Jaguar TCS Racing, praised the professionalism of his driver: Mitch has cemented his place in Jaguar's motorsport history. This decision was made by mutual agreement, with the desire to conclude this adventure in style. “For his part, Evans, 31, mentions the need for a new challenge "for the rest of his career."

Despite this solid track record, the decision not to extend the adventure at the dawn of the GEN4 era, which will begin at the end of 2026, seems well thought out. The warning signs had been multiplying in recent months. The New Zealander had notably admitted that he had not been involved in the development of the future car GEN4, a mission entrusted to his teammate António Félix da Costa as well as to reserve pilot Stoffel Vandoorne.

However fruitful this collaboration may have been, it was not without its tensions, as evidenced by his frustration after the recent Madrid E-Prix. On that occasion, team orders were imposed on him, preventing him from overtaking his teammate António Félix da Costa, who was leading after a spectacular comeback from sixteenth place.

What future awaits Evans and Jaguar?

Evans' departure thus frees up a highly coveted seat at Jaguar for 2027. Stoffel Vandoorne, the current reserve driver, appears to be the natural successor to partner da Costa. As for Mitch Evans, rumors strongly suggest he will join the new Opel project, which will debut as a full-fledged manufacturer in the GEN4 era. The Kiwi would thus be joining Theo Pourchaire, also tipped to race under the colors of the new team, which also lent a hand to Opel during the recent GEN4 test organized on the Paul Ricard circuit.

There are still eleven races to go before the official farewell. Currently third in the overall standings with 65 points, Mitch Evans is back in the hunt for the world title that narrowly eluded him in 2021-2022 and 2023-2024. Buoyed by their recent one-two finish in Madrid, the Jaguar team is now just two points behind the championship leader, who are currently in first place. PorscheTheir dual quest for the title will therefore resume on May 2nd and 3rd during the double event in Berlin.

ALSO READ >  "The cars will be faster than those in Formula 1," promises Formula E.