Zeroto30Seconds

Home Formula E Formula E Spotlight: Mahindra Racing

Formula E Spotlight: Mahindra Racing

0
Formula E Spotlight: Mahindra Racing

A name familiar to any driver on the Indian streets, a manufacturer known for reliability and efficiency: Mahindra has definitely made a name for itself. It has carved out its niche in the Indian markets and has since marched on to competitive motorsports. Today, this vision and passion have made Mahindra Racing the only Indian manufacturer in Formula E. While Mahindra may not have the biggest name in the sport, it has unique features that have become synonymous with the brand.

The Champions of Sustainability

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship is not the only championship at play in Formula E. Arguably, sustainability is the championship with a more significant environmental impact. A championship where Mahindra Racing emerges at the top. In September 2020, it became the first Formula E team to achieve FIA Environmental Accreditation, only the second after the McLaren F1 team. But in a sport where sustainability and technology are paramount, how did they make themselves stand out?

Keeping it simple – Fanboost Tree Planting Initiative

Mahindra made heads turn in Season 6 when it began its Fanboost Tree Planting Initiative. The team pledged to plant a tree for every Fanboost vote received by Mahindra drivers. A simple and straightforward idea but a remarkable reflection of their ideology and commitment. With this initiative, viewers and followers of the sport were helping the planet by simply tuning in and voting every race weekend.

Project Hariyali

Mahindra Group’s flagship program, Project Hariyali, is not just a story of afforestation but also that of empowerment. The Group provided community lessons to willing farmers on the need for various plant saplings. Along with providing saplings, the Naandi Foundation trained in farm management practices. Farmers received training on seasonal farm activities such as mulching and weeding. They are also supported by Naandi’s organic plus bioinoculant sprays like C100, BLACK100 and WHITE100 – all designed to improve the overall plant and farm health.

 

Small changes, significant impact

75% of the footprint in Formula E is due to freight, and Mahindra Racing has consistently managed to reduce the footprint, bringing it to the level of having the lowest freight in the championship.

The team merchandise and uniform are sourced from recycled and reused materials.

 

Racing Highlights

Mahindra may not be at the top step very often, but they’re certainly given us memorable moments in their Formula E career. Mahindra made waves at its debut when Karun Chandok bagged points at the team’s first race. Chandok and Bruno Senna went on to have a positive first season, frequently scoring points but were also plagued with DNFs and retirements.

 

The first win – Berlin 2017, Season 3

Felix Rosenqvist and Nick Heidfield drove for Mahindra in 2017, where they famously bagged a win and a podium in Berlin. Lucas Di Grassi bagged pole for Audi. However, he was passed by Rosenqvist during the race, after which he struggled due to battery heating problems. Heidfield qualified fourth and climbed up, closing in on Di Grassi for second. Rosenqvist ultimately gave Mahindra its first-ever win in Formula E, and Heidfield secured his third-consecutive 3rd-place finish.

For the past 2 seasons, Mahindra’s shining moments were far and in between. They encountered days when points for one driver were the best possibility. This race was a culmination of years of hard work that finally proved that Mahindra was in it to win it.

Today, Mahindra Racing remains a one-of-a-kind team, going above and beyond for sustainability while remaining focused on winning. The team has struggled in recent years, with no duo being able to match Rosenqvist and Heidfield’s success in the early 2010s. But with ever-changing regulations and racing as close as possible, only time will tell if Mahindra Racing may emerge at the top.

Follow us on Zeroto30s social channels:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here