Stoffel Vandoorne takes Jaguar seat for Formula E’s Gen4 era

Stoffel Vandoorne will return to a full-time seat in Formula E with Jaguar TCS Racing for the 2027 season, joining Antonio Felix da Costa as the team prepares for the Gen4 era. The Belgian takes the place of Mitch Evans, ending his own spell as Jaguar’s reserve driver.

Vandoorne’s return puts a former champion back on the grid in a central role for a manufacturer facing a major change in regulations. The new line-up combines his experience with da Costa’s, as Jaguar begins a new chapter without Evans.

Vandoorne steps up from reserve duties

Vandoorne joined Jaguar as a reserve driver ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. His promotion gives the team a driver with experience across several Formula E manufacturers, having previously raced for Mercedes-EQ, DS Penske and Maserati MSG Racing.

His strongest achievement came with Mercedes-EQ, where he won the championship in the 2021-22 season. Jaguar will now be able to draw on that experience as it develops its car and pursues its competitive goals in the next generation of the series.

The move also gives Vandoorne another chance to fight for wins and potentially contend for a second title. His familiarity with different manufacturers is an asset for Jaguar as technical development takes on added importance under the new regulations.

Jaguar begins Gen4 without Evans

Vandoorne’s arrival marks the end of Evans’ decade-long partnership with Jaguar. The New Zealander’s departure has already been covered in our report on Evans leaving the Jaguar Formula E team.

The Gen4 rules bring a significant performance step for the championship, making development work and technical understanding particularly important to manufacturers. Jaguar’s 2027 pairing will therefore have a role beyond delivering results: the team will also need its drivers’ input as it adapts to a new technological era.

Vandoorne’s return to a full-time cockpit is the clearest change in Jaguar’s driver line-up, with da Costa alongside him and Evans no longer part of the team. The appointment comes as manufacturers prepare for the new generation, part of the wider Gen4 transition in Formula E.