One stripe for every Formula E season: Mahindra presents the new M12Electro

Mahindra Racing is the second team after Porsche to show its car for the upcoming season. The Mahindra M12Electro was officially unveiled at an event in London, which was also attended by e-Formula.news. While there were only minimal changes at Porsche, the new Mahindra car shines with a new design concept. In addition to the livery, Mahindra will also have a new sponsor partner on board: Valvoline Global Operations will adorn Mahindra's Gen3 Evo car in the future.

Valvoline is primarily known for the production of engine oils. In 2023, the Saudi Arabian Aramco group took over the company, which was founded in the USA. Jamal Muashsher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Valvoline Global, sees great value in the partnership with Mahindra: "Formula E offers the ultimate testing ground for innovation, and together with Mahindra we are proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand."

Now bright white instead of grey

The colour concept of the M12Electro is very similar to that of the previous season. However, the team has decided to replace the grey with a bright white. Together with the new, much more aggressive lines and the metallic red, the car clearly embodies the drive to the front. Team Principal Frederic Bertrand emphasises this direction with great ambition: "The aim is to continue to grow as a team, to continue to improve and this year, to fight for a place in the top three in the world championship."

Last season, the Indian team finished well above expectations in a magnificent fourth place, directly behind the other manufacturer teams Porsche, Jaguar and Nissan. A memento of Season 11 has also found its place on the new livery, as each of the white stripes on the sidepods represents a season in which Mahindra took part. As Mahindra is one of the teams that has been there from the start, there are twelve stripes in total.

Drivers believe in a successful year

Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara finished 8th and 9th in the drivers' world championship in season 11 - no driver duo in the electric racing series was so evenly matched! In the end, de Vries managed to score four points more than his team-mate. The former Formula E world champion wants to build on last season: "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."

Mortara agrees with his Dutch team-mate: "I’m feeling confident in the work that we have done and can’t wait to get to testing in Valencia." He particularly praises the interaction of the entire team and is also thinking of big points in season 12: "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."

The pair will be supported by reserve driver Kush Maini, who will remain with the team alongside his Formula 2 commitment: "I'm really proud to continue as part of the Mahindra Racing family for a third season," said the Indian. "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."

From 27 October, the pre-season tests will finally begin in Valencia. The team around Mortara and de Vries will then have the chance to impress in its new guise. World championship points will then be at stake for the first time on 6 December, when the electric racing series holds its season opener in Sao Paulo.