– Great sorrow in Formula E: Citroen team principal Cyril Blais has passed away at the age of only 43. The death of the Frenchman was confirmed on Monday by both Formula E and Citroen. Out of respect for privacy and the wishes of the family, no details about the cause of death were disclosed.
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“We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and friend Cyril, and our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and all who knew him,” says Formula E chief Jeff Dodds. “Cyril’s death is a devastating loss for his family, for MSG, Citroen Racing, and the entire Formula E community.”
“We have lost an exceptional colleague and someone many of us were proud to call a friend.” Blais was team principal at Citroen in Formula E, having originally joined the team before the eighth season as race engineer for Lucas di Grassi, for the team which was then still called Venturi.
Blais as race engineer for Maximilian Günther
When the team subsequently became Maserati, Blais worked for a total of two years as race engineer for Maximilian Günther. Before the tenth season, the Frenchman was first promoted to chief engineer and shortly thereafter took on the role of deputy team principal.
Soon after, he was appointed team principal – a position he retained even after the switch from Maserati to Citroen. “We are all so sad to lose Cyril,” says Beth Paretta, Managing Director of the Citroen Formula E team. “Many in the team knew him and worked with him for several years.”
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues throughout the paddock.” The next two races of the Formula E World Championship will take place in Tokyo next weekend. Citroen has already decided to participate in the event as planned despite the tragic events.
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“Cyril believed so much in this team,” adds Paretta. “And we will respect his family’s wish to honor him in the best possible way: by continuing to race in his memory, with exactly the dedication and passion he instilled in all of us.”
Cyril Blais with a successful career in motorsport
Blais began his motorsport career in 2007 as a race engineer with the Manor team in Formula 3. For the 2012 season, the Frenchman moved to Arden, where he was responsible as lead engineer for programs including GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5.
In 2019, Blais moved to Formula E. There he initially worked as a race engineer for Mahindra and quickly established himself as one of the most renowned engineers in the paddock. For his achievements, the Frenchman was even awarded “Engineer of the Year” in Formula E.
“He dedicated himself to our sport and earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, competitors, and friends throughout the paddock,” says FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem. “His passion, determination, and belief in his team were evident in everything he did.”
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“Beyond his successes on the track, Cyril will be remembered for the integrity he brought to our sport. He left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him, and his absence will be deeply felt.” Cyril Blais was only 43 years old.
