London, Mahindra Racing’s decision to remain committed to Formula E while several heavyweight manufacturers have walked away is not a gamble on the championship’s short-term fortunes but the continuation of a long-term strategy to use electric racing as a technology laboratory, said CEO and Team Principal Frederic Bertrand.
The Indian manufacturer was one of the founding teams and the first original equipment manufacturer to commit to the championship at its inception. “It’s a mix of a bit of everything. Audi and Mercedes have exited Formula E, while McLaren also decided to leave the championship after the 2024-25 season. Mahindra, however, has committed to the Gen4 era until at least 2030, extending a relationship with Formula E that began even before the championship’s first race in 2014.
Bertrand said the contrasting decisions reflect the normal cycle of manufacturers entering and leaving motorsport, but Mahindra’s presence is rooted in a much longer-term vision. First thing is, it’s the life of motorsport, the up and down of manufacturers, changes with their strategy,” Bertrand told PTI ahead of the season finale.
Bertrand believes Mahindra’s recent transformation provides evidence that the investment can work if the team maintains the right structure and consistency.
Bertrand said the next challenge is not simply to produce occasional wins or podiums but to create a team capable of competing for the championship year after year.
