Mourning in Formula E: Citroën Team Principal Cyril Blais has died at the age of just 43—What is known about the cause of death and what lies ahead for the team
Deep sorrow in Formula E: Citroën team principal Cyril Blais has passed away at the age of just 43. The Frenchman’s death was confirmed on Monday by both Formula E and Citroën. Out of respect for the family’s privacy and wishes, no details regarding the cause of death were disclosed.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and friend Cyril, and our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and everyone who knew him,” said Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. “Cyril’s death is a devastating loss for his family, for MSG, Citroën Racing, and the entire Formula E community.”
“We have lost an exceptional colleague and someone whom many of us were proud to call a friend.” Blais served as team principal for Citroën in Formula E after initially joining the team—which was then still known as Venturi—as Lucas di Grassi’s race engineer prior to the eighth season.
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. Ahead of the tenth season, the Frenchman was first promoted to chief engineer and shortly thereafter took on the role of deputy team principal.
Shortly thereafter, he was named team principal—a position he retained even after the switch from Maserati to Citroën. “We are all so sad to lose Cyril,” says Beth Paretta, managing director of Citroën’s Formula E team. “Many on 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 this coming weekend in Tokyo. Citroën has already decided to participate in the event as planned, despite the tragic events.
“Cyril believed so strongly 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 that he instilled in all of us.”
Cyril Blais: A Successful Career in Motorsports
Blais began his motorsports career in 2007 as a race engineer for the Manor team in Formula 3. For the 2012 season, the Frenchman moved to Arden, where, as chief engineer, he was responsible for the GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5 programs, among others.
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 named Formula E’s “Engineer of the Year.”
“He was dedicated to our sport and earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, competitors, and friends throughout the paddock,” said FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem. “His passion, determination, and belief in his team were evident in everything he did.”
“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.