Antonio Felix da Costa tells F1 drivers to adapt to hybrid cars: “If they don’t like it, stay home”

Antonio Felix da Costa has spoken in favor of the new F1 cars, which have undergone a major evolution under the 2026 regulations. Addressing how F1’s hybrid power units are being compared to Formula E cars, da Costa called it a natural evolution and said there is little that can be done to avoid it. The Jaguar TCS Racing driver recently won his first race since joining the team and his first victory of the new season.

Antonio Felix da Costa backs F1’s hybrid future, says drivers must adapt

Like many F1 fans, Antonio Felix da Costa is aware that F1 cars now use a combination of electric power and internal combustion, which has made them comparatively slower. The Formula E driver said those who object to the change can simply stay home.

As quoted by AutohebdoF1.com, da Costa said, “It is the car manufacturers who pay. If they sell electric or hybrid cars, they can only compete with those technologies. It's a natural evolution, and F1 drivers will have to adapt. If they don't like it… they can stay home.”

Sharing his own love for older engines, he added, “I also love V10s, V12s, and all the rest. But if they are no longer sold, if they are no longer manufactured, if they are engines from the Stone Age, there’s not much that can be done.”

Da Costa also expressed confidence that Max Verstappen would enjoy the upcoming Formula E GEN4 car, which will hit the track next year.
“I think that when he sees GEN4, we might be able to convince him,” he said.

Max Verstappen had famously described the new F1 cars as “Formula E on steroids.” Reacting to the comment, da Costa explained, “I don’t think it was an attack on Formula E. He meant that Formula E has its own way of racing and F1 has its own, but the new regulations have created a middle ground. We know what Max is like. He always wants to drive fast cars and push them to the limit all the time.”

Antonio Felix da Costa’s Formula E run

Antonio Felix da Costa teamed up with Mitch Evans at Jaguar TCS Racing this season. After winning Round 5 in Jeddah, he now sits seventh in the Formula E Drivers’ Standings with 39 points.

He will next head to Spain for Round 6. The inaugural Madrid E-Prix is scheduled for March 21, followed by a Rookie Test the next day.

Also read: Antonio Felix da Costa’s paddock prank: Jake Dennis licks his hand, Jeff Dodds turns the tables

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