Sad news from Formula E: Cyril Blais, team principal of Citroen Racing, has passed away

The team principal of Citroën Racing, Cyril Blais, has passed away. Blais was just 43 years old. The team did not disclose the cause of death. He had long been an integral part of Formula E. After serving as Lucas di Grassi’s race engineer, he was promoted to team principal at Maserati – a role he was to retain following the team’s rebranding as Citroën Racing.

Jeff Dodds and FIA President Ben Sulayem share their sadness

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds describes it as an irreplaceable loss for the electric racing series: "We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and friend, Cyril, and our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones and all those who knew him. Cyril's passing is a devastating loss for his family, for MSG, Citroen Racing, and for our entire Formula E community."

Ben Sulayem, the FIA President, also commented on the tragic death of the French team principal: "He made a lasting impression on everyone who worked alongside him, and his absence will be felt deeply. On behalf of myself and the FIA, I extend heartfelt condolences to Cyril’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time."

In just a few days’ time, Blais would have liked to lead his team to further successes in Tokyo. At the start of the season, he celebrated Citroën Racing’s first victory with Nick Cassidy, and just two weeks ago, Jean-Eric Vergne’s first podium finish in Shanghai.

Citroen shaken by unexpected death

With the next race weekend just around the corner, Citroen Racing finds itself in a difficult position. Throughout the season, the team has worked closely together and got to know one another, but now the most important part of the team may be missing.

Beth Paretta, the Managing Director of Citroen Racing, wants to keep Blais’ spark alive: "Cyril believed so much in this team and we will respect his family's wishes to honour him in the best way we can, by continuing to race in his memory with the exact dedication and passion he instilled in all of us."

This loss will be difficult to come to terms with and will cast a dark shadow over the team at the upcoming Tokyo E-Prix. Our editorial team at e-Formula.news would also like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to Cyril Blais’s family and those closest to him.