Formula E Mourns the Passing of Citroën Racing Team Principal Cyril Blais
The Formula E community has been left in mourning following the sudden passing of Citroën Racing Formula E Team Principal Cyril Blais. His death was confirmed in a joint statement released by Monaco Sports Group (MSG), Citroën Racing, Stellantis Motorsport, Formula E, and the FIA, who described his passing as a devastating loss for the championship and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. No cause of death has been disclosed, in accordance with the wishes of his family.
Blais had become one of the championship’s most respected leaders after rising through the engineering ranks before taking on the role of Team Principal. His calm leadership, technical expertise, and passion for motorsport earned admiration throughout the Formula E paddock.
A Career Built on Engineering Excellence
Before becoming a team principal, Cyril Blais established himself as an accomplished race engineer.
His career began in junior single-seater categories, including Formula 3 and Formula 2, where he held several engineering and technical leadership positions. In 2019 he joined Mahindra Racing in Formula E before moving to Monaco Sports Group in 2022, initially serving as an engineer with the Maserati Formula E programme.
When MSG transitioned from Maserati to Citroën Racing ahead of the 2026 season, Blais was entrusted with leading the new works programme as Team Principal. Under his leadership, the team quickly established itself as a competitive force, claiming multiple podium finishes and helping Citroën secure its first Formula E victory earlier this season.
A Leader Respected Across the Paddock
Tributes have poured in from every corner of the motorsport community.
Citroën Racing Managing Director Beth Paretta described Blais as someone who believed wholeheartedly in the team and inspired everyone around him. She said the team would honour his memory by continuing to race with the same dedication and passion he instilled in every member of the organisation.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds called Blais an extraordinary colleague and friend whose loss would be felt across the entire championship. Dodds also confirmed that the Formula E paddock will pay tribute to Blais during this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem echoed those sentiments, praising Blais for the integrity, professionalism, and respect he brought to motorsport throughout his career.
Drivers Share Emotional Tributes
Current and former drivers who worked closely with Cyril Blais have also expressed their heartbreak.
Jean-Éric Vergne pledged to honour his former team principal by giving everything during the remaining races of the Formula E season, while Maximilian Günther described Blais as a “real racer” and reflected on the close friendship they had developed during their time together. Other drivers, including Lucas di Grassi and Felipe Drugovich, shared memories highlighting both his technical brilliance and his character away from the circuit.
The overwhelming response from drivers, engineers, and rival teams illustrates just how highly regarded Blais had become within Formula E.
Remembering Cyril Blais
Although his time as Team Principal was relatively brief, Cyril Blais played an important role in guiding Citroën Racing through its transition into Formula E and helping establish the team as an immediate contender.
His journey from race engineer to one of the championship’s leading figures serves as an example of the dedication and expertise required to succeed at the highest levels of motorsport.
At Driver Digest South Africa, we extend our sincere condolences to Cyril Blais’ family, friends, colleagues, and everyone throughout the Formula E community during this incredibly difficult time. His contribution to electric motorsport will not be forgotten.
