After the revolution comes the evolution, and the team’s new challenger – unveiled at an exclusive event in the presence of Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra & Mahindra, in central London – reflects that, with an eye-catching metallic red, gloss white and carbon black livery.
Reflected in the detail are several nods to Mahindra’s extensive history in Formula E, with 12 stripes – one for every year Mahindra has competed in the FIA’s all-electric series since inception – as well as the Indian flag, to celebrate the team’s heritage and status as the only Indian team competing at World Championship level in motorsport.
Beyond the livery, the Mahindra M12Electro also features the team’s latest developments, after a summer spent hard at work refining and further improving the GEN3 Evo package that led to a notable resurgence in the team’s form across Season 11.
Under the leadership of CEO and Team Principal, Frederic Bertrand, the Banbury-based team transformed their fortunes on track, capitalising on the new regulations to entirely redesign its car. Mahindra’s reward was five memorable podium finishes, in some of the world’s most iconic destinations – Monaco, Jakarta, Berlin and London.
In a sure sign of the team’s improved consistency and maturity, as well as performance, the team also tripled its points tally from the season prior to ultimately finish fourth in the World Championship standings.
The ambition for Season 12 is clear – to push on, and break into the top three against one of the most competitive grids in world motorsport.
Mahindra Racing’s success on track is reflected in the achievements of Mahindra Group, as a trailblazer for electric mobility and innovation in India, and one of the country’s best-selling automotive manufacturers. Last year, Mahindra announced a 66% year-on-year rise in EV sales.
History was made at the London E-Prix last season, when the Mahindra BE6 became the first made-in-India eSUV to take to the track for hot laps. The ties between the manufacturer and Mahindra Racing will be further strengthened in Season 12, both through the “Race to Road” programme, and some exciting tie-ins to be announced in due course.
Anand Mahindra, Chairperson of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said: “After a strong Season 11, I am delighted to be at the launch into the next phase of Mahindra Racing. As the Mahindra Group continues its exciting expansion into electric vehicles on the road, our race cars Rise to new heights on the track. I see a strong symbiotic relationship developing between Mahindra Racing, Tech Mahindra and Mahindra Auto in brand, technology, and experience.”
Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra Group said: “Mahindra Racing represents the spirit of our Group – pioneering, purposeful, and driven to make a difference. The strides the team has taken over the past two seasons embody our belief that technology and sustainability can go hand in hand. As we step into Season 12, we look forward to another chapter of innovation and progress in our Formula E journey.”
Frederic Bertrand, Mahindra Racing CEO & Team Principal said: “It’s fantastic to have everybody in London today to launch the Mahindra M12Electro, our new Formula E car. It’s also a great source of pride for everyone at the team that Mr. Anand Mahindra could be here today. He’s been a passionate supporter of our programme – and our progress – over the past few years, and a real driving force behind all the success we have enjoyed on track.
“The aim is to keep growing as a team, to continue improving and to challenge for a top three position in the World Championship this year. We believe it’s possible – and belief has carried this team a very long way over the last 18 months!”
Consistent driver pairing the foundation of success
Consistency is the bedrock of success and, for the third consecutive season, Mahindra Racing will compete in Formula E with the experienced driver pairing of Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara.
In them, the Indian team not only has one of the most successful driver partnerships on the grid – with a combined 181 race starts, 10 wins, 22 podiums, 5 pole positions, and the Season Seven World Championship for de Vries – but also one of the most experienced, in terms of driving forwards car development, which will be crucial if Mahindra is to continue rising through the order.
Supporting them in that endeavour will be Reserve Driver, Kush Maini. India’s brightest talent on the single-seater pathway also extends his relationship with the team for a third successive year, and will take on increased support roles at races, in addition to driving during the designated Rookie Test and practice sessions during Season 12.
Nyck de Vries, Mahindra Racing Driver said: “It’s an exciting time to be a part of this project. Last season we took some great steps forward, and the feeling is that we are heading into Season 12 with a car that is capable of competing at the front. Of course, there are always improvements to be made, but we have a strong baseline, and room to keep developing the car and the team from here.”
Edoardo Mortara, Mahindra Racing Driver said: “I’m feeling confident in the work that we have done and can’t wait to get to testing in Valencia to firstly confirm the steps forward we feel we have made but also keep this ongoing process of development going. There is a great spirit in the group at the moment, especially after ending last season on such a high, so the key thing for us to keep this momentum going and start Season 12 in equally strong fashion.”
Kush Maini, Mahindra Racing Reserve Driver, said: “I’m really proud to continue as part of the Mahindra Racing family for a third season. It’s a great place for me to continue my development as a driver, but equally it has a fantastic atmosphere at the moment.
“To have been a part of the team’s re-build over the past two seasons has been an enjoyable and valuable experience for me, and I hope to contribute towards the team’s ongoing success again this year.”
Valvoline joins Mahindra Racing as Official Partner:
Mahindra Racing today also announced Valvoline, a worldwide leader in premium lubricants and automotive solutions, as its new Official Partner ahead of Season 12.
The partnership brings together two brands with a shared heritage of excellence and innovation in motorsport, as well as a shared commitment to developing high-performance technologies in electric racing.
Valvoline have over 150 years of experience providing leading-edge lubricants across the automotive and motorsport sectors, competing in a range of championships including Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR and – now – Formula E.
Jamal Muashsher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Valvoline Global said: “Partnering with Mahindra Racing marks a significant step in Valvoline’s journey to help shape the future of high-performance electric mobility.
“Through this technical collaboration, our teams are working closely to develop and test advanced eFluids and gearbox technologies designed to enhance efficiency, durability, and overall performance on the track. Formula E provides the ultimate testing ground for innovation, and together with Mahindra, we’re proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Valvoline Global’s support and expertise will prove invaluable as the team continues to develop and improve the M12Electro. The next stop is Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia on 27-31 October, as the team participates in the official Formula E pre-season test, plus the annual Women’s Test.
Beyond that, Season 12 begins in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Saturday, 6th December.
