Cyril Blais dies aged 43 as Formula E unites in tribute
Cyril Blais, team principal of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team operated by Monaco Sports Group, has died at 43. MSG, Citroën Racing, Stellantis Motorsport, Formula E and the FIA confirmed the news in a joint statement, saying tributes will be paid at this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix. No cause of death was disclosed.
Key Takeaways
- Cyril Blais, Citroën Racing Formula E team principal, has died aged 43.
- MSG, Citroën Racing, Stellantis Motorsport, Formula E and the FIA issued a joint statement.
- Tributes will be paid during this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix.
- No further comment will be shared, out of respect for his family’s privacy.
What did the joint statement say about Cyril Blais?
According to a joint statement published by Formula E, motorsport leaders united to mourn Blais and support those closest to him.
Beth Paretta, managing director of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team, said many colleagues had worked with him for years and that the squad would keep racing in his memory with the dedication and passion he instilled.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds called the loss devastating for Blais’s family, MSG, Citroën Racing and the wider Formula E community, and confirmed paddock tributes at the Tokyo E-Prix.
Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon and Stellantis Motorsport SVP Olivier Jansonnie said Blais played a major role in the MSG–Citroën Racing Formula E programme from the start of their collaboration.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem praised his passion, determination and integrity, extending condolences on behalf of the FIA.
How did Cyril Blais rise through Formula E?
Blais began on the Formula 1 support ladder, working at Manor Motorsport in Formula 3 before becoming technical director at Arden in Formula 3 and Formula 2.
He moved into Formula E in 2019 with Mahindra as a race engineer, then joined MSG’s Venturi operation in 2022, engineering Lucas di Grassi and later Maximilian Günther during the team’s Maserati era, including wins in Jakarta and Tokyo.
Named Formula E’s Engineer of the Year, he rose to chief engineer and deputy team principal before taking overall charge. He was promoted to team principal in 2024 and remained at the helm as the squad became Citroën’s works entry for the 2025/26 season.
Under his stewardship, Maserati/Citroën won two races, including the Mexico City E-Prix with Nick Cassidy. Coverage across Future Tech & AI Wonders often tracks how electric racing advances next-generation mobility.
Why does this loss matter for electric racing now?
Citroën sits seventh in the teams’ standings with four races left across the Tokyo and London double-headers. It remains unclear who will assume Blais’s responsibilities for the Tokyo E-Prix.
The Stellantis marque is set to continue in Formula E into the Gen4 era, scheduled to begin in Jeddah in December. For now, the paddock’s focus is remembrance rather than speculation.
Organisations said no further comments will be shared out of respect for the family’s privacy and wishes.