Stoffel Vandoorne will return to a full-time Formula E seat with Jaguar next season. In an interview published on November 12, the 2021/22 world champion explained how learning a new car and working with fellow champion António Félix da Costa shape his approach to the comeback.
His year as Jaguar’s reserve and development driver kept him connected to the programme. He has been involved in GEN4 testing alongside other racing and testing duties, so the return follows continued work behind the scenes.
Rebuilding around a new car
The interview lists Vandoorne’s previous Formula E record at 103 starts, four wins and 17 podiums. He acknowledges that parts of the GEN3 era did not bring his best form, while maintaining that he remains talented and motivated. He wants to carry lessons from those setbacks into a new car.
He describes the fourth-generation GEN4 machine as more powerful and more technical in some areas. Learning its demands and resetting his approach are central to his account of the return.
Vandoorne also expresses confidence in Jaguar. He points to its two constructors’ world championships during GEN3 and says working inside the team allowed him to understand how it differed from his previous employers. He believes the organisation can be competitive again.
Expectations after replacing Evans
Vandoorne takes the seat vacated by Mitch Evans, who has moved to Opel after 10 years with Jaguar and 16 Formula E victories. Asked about the expectations attached to that role, Vandoorne said every leading team expects its drivers to deliver.
He sees the main pressure as the demand he places on himself to perform at his highest level. Driver and team share the aim of sustaining previous achievements, regardless of the particular seat involved.
Two champions sharing information
His partnership with da Costa gives Jaguar two former drivers’ champions. Vandoorne says they have known each other for years and competed hard from junior racing into Formula E. How their relationship develops also depends on their personalities and the team’s management.
During the opening phase of GEN4, he sees understanding the car’s competitiveness as the immediate priority. The pair are working closely and pushing the team together, without hiding information or playing internal games. He wants a car strong enough for them to compete against each other on track.
Vandoorne connects his personal reset with shared development work. His stated priority places the team’s performance ahead of an internal contest during the learning phase. Pre-season testing in Madrid on November 16–20 is the next stage.
