Mahindra Racing’s Formula E Comeback: A New Chapter of Success

Mahindra Racing has made a sensational turnaround in this season's Formula E, bagging 41 points in the first four rounds alone—well above what they scored in the first 12 rounds of the previous year.

This impressive start places the Indian squad in sixth position in the 2025 standings. After three tough seasons, the team is regaining consistency, yet team principal and CEO Frederic Bertrand maintains that they are still on a learning curve.

M11Electro: A Fresh Approach to Performance

With Formula E’s two-year homologation rule, Mahindra had to compete with the same car in 2023 and 2024. However, in 2025, the introduction of the M11Electro brings an all-new powertrain, suspension, gearbox, and hardware. Bertrand highlighted the shift in approach:

“For the first time in 18 months, we have designed purely for performance. Previously, cost considerations limited our development, which doesn’t work in motorsport.”

This strategic shift has allowed the team to focus on practical yet effective solutions, optimizing investments to achieve better results.

Strengthening Supplier Collaboration

A key area of investment has been supplier partnerships, particularly through closer project management. Mahindra Racing has been proactive in the sense that it has located engineers in its USA-based manufacturing facilities of its suppliers to enable greater quality control and a more participative co-working process.

“It’s costly, but it’s a good investment. Having engineers on-site ensures an entirely different level of attention,” Bertrand explained.

A New Internal Team Structure

To enhance performance, Mahindra Racing has restructured its technical leadership into two focused divisions:

• Development Team – Led by Josef Holden (Technical Director)
• Performance Team – Led by Jeremy Colancon (Performance Director)

This approach was inspired by customer teams such as Envision Racing and Andretti, which beat their respective manufacturers, Jaguar and Porsche, in 2023. Bertrand is confident that this internal competition creates the kind of competitive environment that drives both teams to produce stronger results.

Driver-Focused Execution

Mahindra Racing's driver lineup, comprising Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara, is set to be instrumental in carrying out the team's long-term expansion strategy.

"With an improved car, errors need to be minimized. Now, it's down to the drivers to perform, and they have the ability and mentality to address this challenge," Bertrand stated.

Both drivers are on the same page as the team's goals and are collaborating with engineers to optimize performance all season long.

Tech-Driven Evolution: AI and Data Analytics

Mahindra Racing has shifted towards a data-driven development model, moving away from conventional model-based approaches. During the last 18 months, the team has inducted more than 60 engineers, a number of whom are young professionals being groomed to fit into the high-speed environment of motorsport.

The team is also collaborating with Mahindra Auto and Tech Mahindra to apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics in race strategy and car development.

“AI offers immense potential in analyzing race data, predicting issues, and exploring multiple solutions before problems arise,” Bertrand stated.

With Mahindra & Mahindra’s growing expertise in AI, the team aims to simulate race conditions more effectively, allowing engineers and drivers to prepare for diverse scenarios.

Formula E 2025: Realistic Ambitions

Instead of targeting podiums immediately, Mahindra Racing is looking to learn more about the car throughout Season 11. Bertrand thinks consistency will gain credibility and allow the team to build a strong foundation for success in the future.

For 2025, the target is still a P5-P6 finish. If it is achieved, this lays the groundwork for a more aggressive charge in Season 12, where Mahindra can have a more aggressive strategy for Formula E domination.

The season continues with the Miami E-Prix on April 12, where Mahindra Racing will work to further consolidate its position in the championship.

Mahindra Racing’s Bold Strategy for Formula E 2025

Mahindra Racing is making a big impression during the 2025 Formula E season, already ahead of last season's performance after only four rounds. On 41 points, the team is in sixth place in the championship.

Having struggled over the past three seasons, the team is now finally regaining some competitive bite. Yet, as team principal and CEO Frederic Bertrand says, this season is about more than pure short-term results—it's about planting the seeds for long-term success.

Redefining Performance with the M11Electro

Mahindra Racing has introduced an all-new M11Electro, featuring a revamped powertrain, gearbox, suspension, and hardware. Due to Formula E’s homologation rules, the team had to run the same car for 2023 and 2024, making this year’s upgrade a crucial step forward.

Bertrand emphasizes that the new car was designed purely for performance, unlike previous models that were constrained by cost considerations.

“For the first time in 18 months, we have developed a car without compromises. Our focus was on making it efficient and competitive.”

This shift in approach ensures that resources are invested wisely, prioritizing functionality over complexity.

Optimizing Supplier Partnerships

One of Mahindra Racing’s key strategies has been strengthening supplier relationships. The team has taken a hands-on approach by placing engineers within its USA-based supplier factories. This decision, while expensive, has significantly improved quality control and project management.

“Having our engineers on-site changes the level of attention and precision in manufacturing,” Bertrand noted.

A New Team Structure for Efficiency

To maximize development efficiency, Mahindra Racing has restructured its operations. The team now has two dedicated divisions:

• Development Team – Led by Josef Holden, focusing on technical advancements.
• Performance Team – Led by Jeremy Colancon, ensuring the car delivers on race day.

This model follows the example of successful customer teams like Envision Racing and Andretti, which outperformed their manufacturers in 2023. By fostering an internal sense of competition, Mahindra is pushing both teams to improve continuously.

Empowering the Drivers

The confidence of Mahindra Racing in Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara has been high, and now the responsibility falls on the drivers to make the most out of the upgraded machinery with the M11Electro offering a more competitive platform.

"There are no more excuses. The car is improved, and now it's their turn to deliver," Bertrand said.

The drivers are involved in the development process, working hand in hand with the engineers in fine-tuning the car's setup and tuning for performance.

Integrating AI and Data-Driven Innovation

In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, Mahindra Racing has moved towards a data-driven strategy, away from the conventional model-based approach. The team has recruited more than 60 new engineers in the past 18 months, the majority being fresh graduates full of new ideas.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the key areas of interest at present, and where Mahindra Auto and Tech Mahindra have taken the lead in the application of AI to use for race strategy and for performance enhancement.

"AI allows us to analyze race data more effectively, identify potential issues, and develop several solutions in advance," Bertrand said.

Through the simulation of various race conditions, the team hopes to train drivers and engineers more holistically so that they are better equipped to handle any situation on the track.

Looking Ahead: A Strategic Vision for Formula E

Rather than chasing podiums immediately, Mahindra Racing is prioritizing a deeper understanding of its new car throughout Season 11. Bertrand believes that this methodical approach will establish credibility and lay the foundation for future success.

The realistic goal for the team in 2025 is a P5-P6 finish. It will give the team the confidence and learnings to race more competitively in Season 12.

As the Formula E championship continues with the Miami E-Prix on April 12, Mahindra Racing continues to work on optimizing its strategy, gaining momentum, and consolidating its position as a force to be reckoned with in the championship.

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