Mahindra’s Resurgence: Can the Gen3 Evo M11 Electro Finally Break the Team’s Five-Year Victory Drought?

Mahindra Racing is back as a Formula E frontrunner. Discover how Frederic Bertrand’s recovery plan and the M11 Electro are challenging Porsche for the 2026 title.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 28, 2026, 3:25 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Motorsport.com

The Long Road to Recovery

When Frederic Bertrand assumed control of Mahindra Racing in late 2022, the team was in a state of sustained decline, having spent years languishing at the bottom of the teams' standings. The early Gen3 era was particularly brutal for the Indian outfit, marked by structural instability and the mid-season departure of key personnel. However, Bertrand’s long-term recovery plan—centered on deep structural changes and a renewed technical vision—is finally yielding results. The team has successfully rebuilt its reputation, moving from eighth and ninth-place finishes to becoming a constant presence in the 2026 lead group.

Technical Optimization of the M11 Electro

The current success of the M11 Electro is a testament to the engineering work conducted over the recent winter break. While the Gen3 Evo regulations have remained stable, Mahindra has found significant performance gains through software optimization and a better understanding of the car’s mechanical platform. Frederic Bertrand noted that the team focused heavily on improving braking efficiency and maintaining higher minimum speeds through corners, which directly reduces energy consumption. These "small tricks," combined with increased driver confidence, have allowed the team to compete directly with benchmarks like Porsche and Jaguar.

Mortara’s Title Charge and Team Dynamics

Edoardo Mortara has emerged as the spearhead of Mahindra’s 2026 campaign, currently holding second place in the drivers' championship behind Pascal Wehrlein. With two podiums and two pole positions in the first five races, the Swiss driver has validated the team's upward trajectory. However, the season has been a mix of highs and lows; while Mortara has been consistent, teammate Nyck de Vries has struggled with technical unreliability and on-track incidents. The team currently holds third place in the teams' standings, their best position since the early years of the championship when car swaps were still mandatory.