Mahindra’s Principal, Fred Bertrand, expressed the team’s commitment to Formula E despite the Indian manufacturer not yet officially deciding its future in the all-electric championship. Since the inception of the championship in 2014, Mahindra has been a part of Formula E, securing five victories and finishing third in the 2015-2016 team standings. Other manufacturers such as Nissan, Jaguar, Porsche, Maserati, and Lola have committed to following the Gen4 Formula E regulations over the past six months and will come into effect for the 2026-2027 season.
According to Motorsport.com, the delay in any decision from Mahindra revolves around whether they will join the new rules as a manufacturer – something they have done since the championship was established – or enter as a customer team. Bertrand stated in Mexico City last weekend, “Mahindra is committed to Formula E. I think the commitment to this championship is very high and being in this platform makes sense for Mahindra. It has been there from the beginning, and that’s why we are still studying it; if not, we would have to stop studying.”
While missing the manufacturer deadline on December 31 as outlined by the FIA for Gen4, discussions between the governing body and Mahindra are ongoing with an understanding that entries will still be accepted. This is because Mahindra is a founding member of the championship and part of the technical working group, with Bertrand adding that other OEMs should be allowed to enter in the right circumstances.
Hyundai, speaking to Motorsport.com, revealed discussions with the FIA in recent months about their participation in Gen4, even though the Korean manufacturer announced last year their focus on the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the LMDh car. Bertrand said, “I have not yet seen any deadlines for them (FIA). I think everyone will be wise enough to be on standby if someone, even us, comes later and is ready.”
He continued, “One of the limitations they have with these regulations is committing to some deadlines with the suppliers and things like that, so they can continue those deadlines and then if someone comes later, they just need to adapt a little. I don’t see any reason why you should block someone who comes later if they feel they are ready. That’s the big question mark: if you come late, will you be ready?”
