Shell and Mahindra
Shell joined Mahindra Racing Formula E team as Official Sponsor in December 2018 as part of a wide-ranging strategic partnership between Shell and Mahindra Group. Shell manufactures, distributes, and markets lubricants for Mahindra鈥檚 automotive and agricultural divisions in India and beyond.
Driven by Innovation
As partner to Mahindra Group and Mahindra Racing, who have been committed to Formula E since its inaugural season, Shell co-develops and provide a bespoke EV-Plus e-Transmission Fluid specifically designed to enhance the reliability, durability, and efficiency of Mahindra Racing鈥檚 Gen3 Evo powertrain.
Shell uses the learnings gained from the Formula E track to deliver new lubricants technologies and e-mobility solutions that will benefit motorist on the road worldwide.
In pursuit of performance
Through Formula E and electric Motorsport, Shell can showcase the benefits of bespoke lubricants like Shell EV-Plus, our growing portfolio of specialized EV fluids, when used in an EV powertrain. As with all its partnerships, Shell aims to play a critical role in the team鈥檚 pursuit of performance, engineering products and solutions aimed at withstanding the extreme conditions of all-electric racing.
Shell and Mahindra Racing have tested and refined these products to ensure they provide maximum benefits to the team鈥檚 Gen3 Evo powertrain, particularly in the areas of performance, efficiency, durability, reliability, and sustainability.
Pioneering more sustainable solutions
Both partnering companies are committed to fostering innovation in Sustainability, one of the core founding values of Formula E.
In Season 10, Shell and Mahindra Racing embarked on a new technical collaboration to recycle the Shell EV-Plus fluids used on track. Already using an innovative biodegradable base oil mix from renewable biomass that reduces carbon emissions by 50% compared to a conventional lubricant, this novel scheme demonstrated that the bespoke fluid鈥檚 carbon footprint could be further reduced by 27% compared to the same fluid being disposed of after a race1.
The new project in Formula E follows a joint initiative between Shell and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M Ltd.) dealerships across India to organize the country鈥檚 used oil disposal eco-system and increase re-refining to help conserve natural resources, reduce carbon emissions from lubricant products at the end of their life, and achieve circular economy goals, whilst reducing waste2.
1 Carbon footprint estimated on cradle-to-grave basis using Shell鈥檚 externally verified methodology drawing on additive supplier provided emission factors and in comparison to end-of-life treatment approach of the same Shell EV Plus Transmission fluid for the 2023 race season i.e a complete combustion
2
Gen3 Evo
Earlier in the year, Formula E unveiled the GEN3 Evo race car which is now capable of 0-60mph in 1.82s, making it the fastest accelerating FIA homologated single-seater race car ever.
It incorporates advanced regenerative braking technology, allowing it to generate nearly 50% of the energy needed for a race during the race itself. The updated race car also now benefits from an electric motor with over 95% efficiency, significantly surpassing the 40% efficiency typical of internal combustion engines.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology, a first for a Formula E car, maximizes acceleration and control, elevating the thrill of critical race moments and intensifying driver rivalries. AWD enhances both performance and strategy, providing more exciting racing for drivers and fans alike.
Formula E is ready for Season 11
Shell is once again excited to showcase it鈥檚 Shell EV Plus Transmission Fluid on the Formula E racetrack with Mahindra Racing.
Season 11 is here, with 17 races across 11 locations at exciting destinations like Mexico City, Miami and Tokyo. It is set to be another great season with a blend of permanent and purpose-built street circuits offering an exciting challenge for the drivers and the new Gen3 Evo car.
Meet the team
Nyck De Vries
Making his debut in Diriyah in Season 6, de Vries took his maiden win at the same circuit a year later. A further win in Valencia, plus two podiums in London, proved enough for de Vries to triumph in a hard-fought championship battle over team-mate Edoardo Mortara by just seven points. It also made him the first FIA-sanctioned Formula E World Champion.
After one more season 鈥� and another two wins 鈥� de Vries departed for Formula 1, including stints at Williams and Scuderia AlphaTauri. Now, he returns to the FIA鈥檚 all-electric series, with the ambition of winning another world title at Mahindra Racing.
Edoardo Mortara
Edo made his Formula E debut in Hong Kong back in Season 4, scoring his first podium in just his second race in the championship. He took his maiden victory at the same venue a year later and has since added five further triumphs 鈥� plus six additional podiums 鈥� to establish himself as one of the series鈥� household names.
Mortara joins Mahindra Racing for Season 10 with the ambition of using his speed, experience, and race craft to help return to the team to winning ways in the future.
Frederic Bertrand
Frederic Bertrand was appointed as the CEO of Mahindra Racing in November 2022. Before joining Mahindra Bertrand had a distinguished career with the FIA, where he served as the Director of Formula E and Innovative Sport Projects. His leadership is expected to drive Mahindra Racing to new hights leveraging his expertise to enhance the team鈥檚 performance and sustainability initiatives.
Leonard Kieckbusch
Leonard Kieckbusch is the Project Leader, R&D Transmission Fluid Development at Shell. He has a passion for technology and shaping a more sustainable future. He is the responsible project leader for the development of various dedicated lubricants for electric vehicles, such as Shell EV-Plus and other Formula E race fluids.
