This weekend at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez marks the start of a new chapter for Mahindra Racing, and the beginning of the third era of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the Banbury-based outfit ready to make the most of the “great opportunity”.
Mahindra enter the season-opening Mexico City E-Prix on the back of a solid pre-season, with new signing Lucas Di Grassi having been impressed by the M9Electro’s reliability. The Anglo-Indian team appear to have a reliable and somewhat quick package for Season Nine, with Oliver Rowland having been a regular figure towards the top of the timesheets during pre-season testing.
The team enter the new era of the sport having finished eighth in the Season Eight Constructors’ Championship, after having suffered twelve retirements during the final campaign of the Gen2 era of the sport. Gen3 gives Mahindra the chance to turn the page on their woeful 2022 performance, with 2023 looking potentially more promising. The team are, of course, a power unit supplier for Gen3, with the team supplying the ABT CUPRA Formula E Team with powertrains for the upcoming season.
As well as a new driver, the team also have a new CEO following the departure of Dilbagh Gill, with Frederic Bertrand taking on the role. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Bertrand is aware that the side will face “obstacles” during the season; however, he’s hopeful that the team have what it takes to “work together to overcome” any future issue.
“We have a great opportunity at the start of a new era of Formula E, with the Gen3 car. It is a unique year for the team as we move forward with a new car, a new team spirit and a new common ambition to perform and win. Of course, there will be obstacles, but we will work together to overcome these as best we can.
“I know the team will put in their best efforts and move out of their comfort zones to raise the level of performance we expect going into Season 9. We head to Mexico refreshed from the Christmas break and after a positive test in Valencia last month. I’m excited to see how our first race goes.”
