Cyril Blais, the team principal for Citroen Formula E, suddenly passed away last week.
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Citroen, Stellantis, Monaco Sports Group (MSG), and Formula E issued a joint press release on Monday announcing the news. They did not provide a cause of death. The groups also said that "no further comments will be shared out of respect for the family's privacy and wishes."
The entire Formula E community is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of 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. pic.twitter.com/gSQIM9p1Rj
— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) July 20, 2026
"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," said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA. "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."
An engineer in the Formula 1 ranks, Blais worked his way up to technical director with Arden Motorsports in both Formula 3 and Formula 2. He then moved over to Formula E in 2019 to partner with Mahindra.
He joined his current team in 2022 as it operated under a different name, MSG. This team transitioned to Citroen in 2025, one year after Blais' promotion to Team Principal.
This season, Citroen has fielded two entries with Nick Cassidy and Jean-Eric Vergne behind the wheel. Cassidy is ninth in the standings after scoring one win and three podium finishes. Vergne is 14th after scoring one podium finish in 13 rounds.
"We are all so saddened to lose Cyril," said Beth Paretta, Managing Director, Citroen Racing Formula E Team. "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."
