Exclusive: De Vries details 'new chapter' in Mahindra Formula E 'journey'

Nyck de Vries is excited for Mahindra's "new chapter" in its Formula E "journey", following the launch of its brand-new car. 

The M11 Electro – which team principal Frederic Bertrand revealed to RacingNews365 is "completely new" – was unveiled on Tuesday evening at the outfit's base in Banbury, attended by RacingNews365.

It is an exciting time for the Indian manufacturer who have been looking at the upcoming season as its time to move up the grid. 

The first two seasons of the Gen3 era were incredibly difficult for Mahindra, resulting in the fresh start for the introduction of the Gen3 EVO – the fastest-accelerating FIA single-seater.

An entirely new powertrain has been built, with the input of key personnel such as technical director Josef Holden, a former Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains team leader. 

Mahindra has opted for a 50/50 split between performance and reliability, with the hope being that progress can be made. 

It is no secret that much of Mahindra's journey to return to a competitive position is based on the M11 Electro, which de Vries is confident about.

However, he does recognise that every manufacturer will have worked on a new package, whilst backmarker ERT (known now as Kiro Race Co after being acquired by a US investment firm) will have old Porsche powertrains after entering a technical partnership with the German brand.

"We're obviously very much looking forward to our new powertrain," de Vries told RacingNews365. "I think every team does, because everybody will have a chance to optimise the package that they have. 

"I think it's also fair to acknowledge that some other teams will have some good upgrades as well. ERT has been bought by someone else and will have some rebranding, but they will get a Porsche powertrain.

"But I'm confident in the work we've done and and the steps we've made. The sporting regulations are changing quite significantly, I think we shouldn't underestimate the little changes there are and what effect they could have on the races."

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New Formula E features

One of the changes which has been introduced with the Gen3 EVO is four-wheel drive, which will be used at the start of races, when a driver is using Attack Mode and in the qualifying duels. 

FE is the first single-seater series to feature four-wheel drive, which has been praised by several drivers. 

With new softer Hankook tyres, lap times are expected to drop my multiple seconds, which could impact the style of a race. 

The new features are very exciting for the all-electric championship, with the combo of all-wheel drive and softer rubber being crucial to 0-60mph in 1.82s – 30% faster than a current F1 car – being possible.

De Vries is expecting the style of racing to change slightly, something which he not only finds interesting, but that Mahindra are prepared for. 

"Obviously, attack mode in four-wheel drive, the tyres are significantly quicker, but equally, have a lot of degradation, and potential fast-charging. 

"So I think that the racing in that regard will change a little bit, and I think that's going to be interesting. 

"But as a team, we are very excited about this kind of new phase in our journey, in the new chapter, having our own powertrain that we developed and hopefully, will give us an opportunity to move further up the grid and hopefully be more consistent in in the points."