Mitch Evans reflected on a challenging start of the season and expressed optimism for the future, especially with Jaguar’s recent commitment to the championship until 2030 as stated in an exclusive interview by Last Word On Motorsports
At the beginning of the season everyone expected Evans to fight for the championship. However, things went in a different direction. Even though he now has more points than this point last season everyone else improved.
Evans says: “If you look at it compared to last year, I’ve got a few more points at some of the races, but I think off the back of last year you’re gonna find the championship I was expecting a better start that’s for sure.”
Mitch Evans cited a combination of factors for his shortcomings, including bad luck as “knocking my front wing off in Tokyo” and strategic miscalculations (“lost power on the last lap in Sao Paulo”).
New Teammate but an old friend
Apart from being rivals on track, Evans revealed his longtime friendship with his current teammate, Nick Cassidy. The New Zealander is above him in the driver championship but in his words you can totally understand his fondness over the kiwi driver.
On this change in the team he admits: “Obviously, we’ve had some personal changes from last year… It’s great having Nick on board, you know, I have known him since I was six. We’ve had a friendship for many, many years, we’ve been, you know, really hyperedge best friends for almost 20 years. So this relationship is really strong. Nick’s been a fantastic addition to the team, We both know we got some work to do. It’s been great to have him joining us this season.
Quite unusual weather in Monaco
Despite the last race, Evans remains optimistic and concentrates on this weekend.
The 29-year-old stated:“ I’m hoping the opposite turned that around this weekend and then all the rest of the championship, but I think some other teams have made some really good progress.”
Looking ahead to the unpredictable weather conditions in Monaco, Evans was optimistic that the weather is not going to stay like this: “The forecast seems to be changing all the time. So it’s hard to say… I think today’s going to be wet. But yeah, the forecast for Saturday, and also Sunday kind of always had to look around.”
He expressed a preference for a dry race but acknowledges the team’s competitiveness in both conditions “Naturally, we all hope for dry weather, and there’s a chance it might stay that way. But, well, that’s just racing for you. Sometimes, you have to play the hand you’re dealt. Either way, we’re prepared for any conditions. Yet, admittedly, when it’s wet, the pace becomes more unpredictable, adding an extra element of risk.”
Excitement for Gen3 evo Features
Evans highlighted the exciting features of the new Gen3 evo car. The Kiwi particularly likes the ability to use the front axle for additional power during attack mode. Although he is not totally satisfied with the outcome. “So we don’t get more power, we just get the opportunity to use the front axle, not just on rejoin, like this year, but also before we drive in the high power. And obviously, aesthetically, did some changes to the bodywork. That was the thing we needed to try and help the drag. And I think it looks nicer as well. But yeah, I was kind of hoping for a bit more of a change”
He selected the softer tyres as the most exciting changes the Gen 3 Evo will bring in terms of race pace and overtakes: “We’re gonna have slightly soft tires. So the more grip, which for us is always good, you know, the Hankook tires. It’s been quite a hard tire. So it’s been very, you know, it’s tricky for us to manage on track, but a bit more grip, as always, was always welcomed by us. But I think the forward drive will be really exciting. You’ll have a bigger contrast of drivers on attack mode or not an attack mode because he saw the racing dynamic will be should be quite, quite good. A lot more strategy involved with that. So I think we’re the four wheel drive off the tire, it should make you know that that difference bigger and easier to overtake. So I think that’s going to be can quite cool.”
Jaguar’s Commitment to Formula E Until 2030
Jaguar today has announced his commitment to Formula E until at least 2030 with a. “It’s great news. Great news. For the brand, you got to clear electric, future electrification future on the road. Formula E fits completely in line with future strategy, which is really exciting for Jaguar. Jaguar was first premium brand back then now we’re more luxurious brand, but back then was the first premium brands into the championship. Both for Formula E and for jaguars, is the right place for us to be.”
The journey continues. We are committed to GEN4 ⚡️#GEN4 pic.twitter.com/j2HyaZvxCu
— Jaguar TCS Racing (@JaguarRacing) April 26, 2024
This commitment aligns with Jaguar’s strategy to become a fully electric brand from 2025. It signifies a significant investment in the future of electric mobility. It positions Jaguar as a leader in sustainable racing technology and innovation.
