By SEMA News Editors
Formula E Team Principal Cyril Blais has passed away at the age of 43. No cause of death was disclosed.
Blais was most recently the team principal for the Citroën Racing Formula E Team. He also spent time as a team principal, deputy team principal, chief engineer and race engineer with Maserati MSG Racing Formula E. Prior to that, Blais served as the race engineer for Mahindra Racing Formula E, and before that, he held roles within the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series.
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) released the following announcement on Sunday, July 19:
Monaco Sports Group (MSG), operator of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team, Citroën, Stellantis Motorsports, the FIA, and the entire Formula E community are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of Team Principal Cyril Blais.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Cyril's family, friends, loved ones and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
"We are all so saddened to lose Cyril. Many of the team have known and worked with him for several years. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues throughout the paddock. Cyril believed so much in this team and we will respect his family's wishes to honour him in the best way we can, by continuing to race in his memory with the exact dedication and passion he instilled in all of us," said Beth Paretta, managing director of the Citroën Racing Formula E Team.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our colleague and friend, Cyril, and our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones and all those who knew him. Cyril's passing is a devastating loss for his family, for MSG, Citroën Racing, and for our entire Formula E community. We have lost an extraordinary colleague, and someone many of us were proud to call a friend. The entire Formula E paddock is supporting one another through this incredibly difficult period. To honor his immense contribution to the sport, the Citroën Racing Formula E Team and the wider Formula E community will pay tribute to Cyril’s memory and incredible legacy during this weekend’s Tokyo E-Prix," said Jeff Dodds, the CEO of Formula E.
"It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Cyril Blais, Team Principal of MSG, Citroën Racing’s partner in Formula E. This loss is particularly painful for us, as Cyril played a major role in our Formula E program from the very beginning of our collaboration between MSG and Citroën Racing. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all the colleagues at MSG, Stellantis Motorsport, and Citroën who had the privilege of working alongside him," said a joint statement from Xavier Chardon, the CEO of Citroën and Olivier Jansonnie the senior vice president of Stellantis Motorsport.
"The entire motorsport community is deeply saddened by this tragic news, and Cyril will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know and work with him. He was dedicated to our sport, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, competitors and friends across the paddock. His passion, determination and belief in his team were evident in all he did. Beyond his achievements on track, Cyril will be remembered for the integrity he brought to our sport. He made a lasting impression on everyone who worked alongside him, and his absence will be felt deeply. On behalf of myself and the FIA, I extend heartfelt condolences to Cyril’s family, friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the FIA.
No further comments will be shared out of respect for the family's privacy and wishes.
Image courtesy of Formula E and the FIA
