The historic Circuito del Jarama played host to a spectacular maiden Madrid E-Prix on March 21, 2026, delivering a thrilling race that saw Jaguar TCS Racing secure a commanding 1-2 finish. However, the victory was far from straightforward, as tempers flared between teammates in a tense finale that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last corner.

A Historic Return to Spanish Soil

The Madrid E-Prix marked Formula E’s return to Spain for the first time since the 2021 Valencia race, this time at the legendary Jarama circuit located just 30 kilometers north of Madrid. The track, which hosted nine Spanish Grands Prix between 1968 and 1981, was making its Formula E racing debut after successfully hosting pre-season testing in 2024.

The 3.934-kilometer layout featured 14 challenging corners with significant elevation changes, making it the longest circuit ever used in Formula E history. With only 23 laps scheduled due to the extended track length, drivers faced a unique strategic challenge, particularly with the implementation of the Pit Boost rule requiring a mandatory 30-second stop for an additional 10% energy charge.

Race Day Drama Unfolds

Nick Cassidy started from pole position for Citroën Racing, but the race quickly devolved into chaos. By the second lap, Nyck de Vries had collided with championship leader Pascal Wehrlein, causing significant damage to the Porsche’s rear wing. This incident would later prove crucial as Wehrlein fought back from adversity.

The race saw a remarkable seven different leaders, with home hero Pepe Martí sending the 30,000-strong Spanish crowd into delirium when he briefly took the lead on Lap 10. The young Catalan driver, competing for the Cupra Kiro team in his debut Formula E season, ultimately finished ninth an impressive result that delighted the local supporters.

The Jaguar Masterclass

As the Pit Boost strategy played out, António Félix Da Costa positioned himself perfectly for victory. The Portuguese driver, who had already won in Jeddah, calmly navigated through the chaotic pack racing to take control in the closing stages.

But his teammate Mitch Evans had other ideas. Starting from further back, the New Zealander stormed through the field and found himself right behind Da Costa on the final lap. What followed was a tense, wheel-to-wheel battle that saw both Jaguars fighting for the win.

On the final approach, Evans attempted to pass his teammate but Da Costa held firm, crossing the line just 0.386 seconds ahead. The victory marked Da Costa’s second consecutive win and his 13th career Formula E victory.

Post-Race Fireworks

The drama didn’t end at the finish line. Evans was visibly furious after the race, expressing his frustration over team radio and in the parc fermé. The New Zealander believed he had the pace to win and was unhappy with what he perceived as overly aggressive defending from his teammate.

“I had more energy at the end and my strategy was all about the distance. I was surprised by my teammate’s behavior; I think he drove dirty,” Evans said after the race, making no effort to hide his disappointment.

Da Costa, while celebrating his victory, struck a more diplomatic tone: “It’s a special win for many reasons two wins in a row, and I didn’t expect it today. Maybe there were some sparks between us, but I want to review the race before saying more”.

Championship Implications

Despite the intra-team tensions, Jaguar’s dominance propelled them to within four points of Porsche in the teams’ championship standings. Wehrlein’s third-place finish, achieved despite his damaged car, proved invaluable as he extended his drivers’ championship lead.

The German now sits on 83 points, 11 ahead of Edoardo Mortara (Mahindra) in second, with Evans climbing to third on 65 points and Da Costa just one point behind his teammate in fourth.

“It was a great race day,” said Florian Modlinger, Porsche’s Director of Factory Motorsport. “Considering the packed grandstands and strong support, this was an amazing event. We look forward to racing here again”.

Looking Ahead

The Formula E paddock remains at Jarama for Sunday’s rookie test, featuring an impressive lineup including former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, Abbi Pulling, and Théo Pourchaire. The championship now heads to Berlin for a double-header on May 2-3, where Porsche will enjoy home advantage.

For Madrid, the inaugural E-Prix proved a resounding success, with fans and drivers alike praising the historic circuit. As one enthusiast commented on social media, “What a beautiful circuit. It should remain on the calendar for years to come”. With the championship’s unpredictability showing no signs of letting up there have now been six different winners across six races the 2025/2026 season continues to deliver electrifying entertainment.