In a moment that blended motorsport legacy, cutting-edge tech, and just the right amount of Indian swagger, Mahindra Racing announced its commitment as a manufacturer for Formula E’s highly anticipated GEN4 era. The commitment kicks in from the 2026/27 season and extends Mahindra’s already decade-plus relationship with the world’s premier electric racing championship.
The announcement came with a double punch: Mahindra didn’t just sign for the future, it rolled out the future in front of a roaring audience in India—unveiling the all-new Mahindra M12Electro. The successor to the much-celebrated M11Electro, this new machine is set to turn the heat on rivals while Mahindra sharpens its sights on consistent podium finishes and top-five championship ambitions.
A Journey From Underdog to Red-Hot Contender
When Mahindra entered the series in 2013, Formula E was a brave idea with neon-lit optimism. Mahindra became the first OEM to commit to the championship at its birth—long before the world started arguing about kilowatts at dinner parties.
Over twelve years, Mahindra Racing has amassed an impressive scorecard:
- 5 E-Prix victories
- 29 podiums
- 11 pole positions
- Over 1,000 championship points
After a rough patch in the midfield, Mahindra turned its trajectory around in a transformative 18-month period under CEO and Team Principal Frederic Bertrand, evolving from quiet spectators to podium regulars. It was the M11Electro that sparked this comeback—helped by the steady hands of Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara, who drove it to five podiums and an admirable fourth-place finish in Season 11.
Now, the M12Electro rolls in to continue that momentum—and perhaps, to prove that the red streak from India isn’t just a flash in the pan.
A GEN4 Era That Sounds Like Sci-Fi (But With Real Lap Times)
Formula E’s newly announced GEN4 machinery is—quite literally—turning the electric dial to eleven. The FIA and Formula E’s tech roadmap reads like a supercar spec sheet written by Tony Stark:
- 450 kW peak race power
- 600 kW Attack Mode for overtakes straight out of a video game
- 700 kW regenerative braking (just think of the energy you recover while braking… now double it, then add caffeine)
- Up to 55 kWh race energy capacity for strategic aggression
- Two aero configurations — high downforce for qualifying, low downforce for race day
- 100% recyclable build materials, cementing Formula E’s claim as the most sustainable championship on Earth
In other words, GEN4 isn’t merely an update—it’s a full-fledged evolution designed to let drivers attack every corner harder, every lap smarter, and every podium with intent.
Racing With Purpose: Mahindra’s Sustainability Ethos
Mahindra Racing isn’t chasing trophies alone; it’s chasing impact. It became the first Formula E team to earn the FIA’s prestigious Three-Star Accreditation for sustainability, and last season launched Planet Positive, its new initiative focused on accelerating positive change in communities, economies, and the environment.
The project blends electric motorsport with real-world purpose—empowering local communities, supporting green innovation, and cultivating a culture where performance and responsibility are equally celebrated.
Voices From the Pit Wall
R. Velusamy, Chairman of Mahindra Racing, framed it as a continuation of the company’s DNA:
“Mahindra Racing has always been a symbol of our commitment to the Race to Road journey—where cutting-edge innovation on the track directly shapes the clean, intelligent, and high-performance mobility solutions we deliver to customers. As we step into the GEN4 era, our ambition only grows stronger.”
Frederic Bertrand, Team Principal, struck an emotional note:
“We’ve built something exceptional over the past two seasons and now have the platform to grow even further. The enthusiasm to ‘Scream Electric’ is hugely inspiring to the whole team, and we will continue to represent India with pride.”
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, welcomed the move with optimism:
“As one of our founding teams, Mahindra has championed electric racing since day one. Their sustained investment reinforces Formula E’s role as a global platform for positive change.”
Marek Nawarecki, Senior Circuit Sport Director at the FIA, put it bluntly:
“Mahindra’s commitment is a testament to the relevance of the GEN4 roadmap. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey with them as one of Formula E’s cornerstone manufacturers.”
From Mumbai to Monaco — India’s Charge Continues
With its GEN4 commitment extending to at least 2030, Mahindra isn’t just racing cars—it’s racing time, innovation, and history. From being a founding team to now shaping the championship’s future, Mahindra stands shoulder to shoulder with global heavyweights like Porsche, Jaguar, and Nissan.
In a world where electric mobility is no longer a question of “if” but “how fast,” Mahindra Racing has placed its foot firmly on the throttle. And if the M12Electro does on-track what Mahindra claims it can, the rest of the grid better start practicing how to pronounce “Shaandaar podium finish.”
