Mahindra Gen4 is entering the 2026‑27 Formula E season after a delayed launch, yet the team retains confidence that it can claw back lost positions from rivals.
Late start forces a careful rollout
Mahindra’s board in Mumbai approved the Gen4 programme in November 2023, months after other manufacturers had begun fielding hybrid Gen3/Gen4 hybrids. The approval came at a time the team was still resolving supplier delays and “risk‑management decisions” that pushed the first test to mid‑July in the UK.
Driver Jake Hughes led initial on‑track development, followed by Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara by August’s end. The squad plans an October collective test with competitors, then a pre‑season sprint at Jarama in mid‑November.
Maintaining continuity amid a learning curve
Frederic Bertrand acknowledged the group’s lag but stressed that a stable core of staff can mitigate the steep learning curve. “Re‑using the same people keeps performance stable,” he told Motorsport.com, noting he believes the team can bridge the gap given “low staff turnover.”
De Vries echoed this optimism, accepting that “time is an advantage for rivals” but maintaining that a patient, focused approach will catch up quickly. He attributed the team’s resilience to having already proven itself in Gen 3, moving from the slowest line to a third‑place points finish after three years.
Reliability first, performance second
Bertrand explained that early priority was ensuring the successor to the M12 Electro was dependable before pushing pace. The car “passed reliability tests” and the team is now fine‑tuning higher power outputs, lifting aspects that were “a little higher than expected.”
With the new Hypercar‑style token system, Mahindra can make targeted upgrades without waiting for a full‑cycle rule refresh. “This joker system lets us respond quickly to deficits,” Bertrand said, underscoring the team’s strategic use of mid‑season changes.
Four‑wheel drive gives an edge
In the Gen 4 era every car has permanent four‑wheel drive, something Mahindra has honed previously. Bertrand pointed out that experience gained in that area—combined with robust supplier relationships—may offset the initial lag and bolster race‑day performance.
Looking ahead: Jeddah kickoff
The 2026‑27 season will launch at Jeddah on 18‑19 December. Mahindra Gen4’s management, led by Bertrand, remains clear that initial races will serve to calibrate the machine before racing for titles.
Final assessment
Mahindra Gen4 may have started later than its rivals, but the team’s continuity, early reliability focus, and flexible upgrade scheme position it to catch up in the fast‑paced Gen 4 era.
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