Discover more
long before his journey into FE, Blais studied mechanical engineering at the University of Coventry between 2004 and 2006, and soon after achieved a Masters Degree in Vehicle Dynamics. He made the move to Manor Motorsport, where he worked from 2007 for four years as a Race Engineer across F3-level racing, before switching to Arden International Motorsport.
Much like he did in Formula E, Blais’ intelligence and adaptability saw him progress from Chief Race Engineer across GP3 and World Series by Renault from 2012 to 2016, before earning the job of Technical Director for Arden International’s FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 programmes which he performed until finding his new home at Mahindra Racing in 2019.
The move to Mahindra was the start of the Frenchman's time in Formula E, where he started working as a Race Engineer to Alex Lynn.. The two worked well together, culminating in a win across the 2021 London E-Prix – which was Mahindra’s last win until this year – before both Lynn and Blais departed the manufacturer ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Blais subsequently joined Maserati MSG Racing in 2022, and from then his Formula E career really began to flourish. At the time it was branded Venturi, and he aided former champion Lucas di Grassi in the role of Race Engineer.
He was then reunited with Max Guenther the following year - who he had worked with in junior categories, when Blais acted as Technical Director at Arden International Motorsport before his transition into Formula E. The pairing of Guenther and Blais at Maserati MSG Racing across two seasons was a magical one, resulting in multiple race wins, the duo celebrating on the podium together after Guenther’s 2023 Jakarta race win, and saw Blais awarded Formula E’s Engineer of the Year honours later that year.
With several changes internally at the team, Blais was promoted to a Chief Engineer role before the start of the 2023/24 season, and then to Deputy Team Principal mid-way through the same campaign. He took on the new challenges and responsibilities with great grace and gratitude, and later was rewarded with the Team Principal title ahead of the 2024/25 season.
His wealth of knowledge, great humour and complete professionalism made him a perfect choice to lead the Stellantis-powered team, all while remaining one of the paddock’s most humble, likeable and admired figures.
Blais oversaw the transition by Stellantis Motorsport from Maserati to Citroën badge at the end of 2025, and increased their level of competitiveness in one of racing’s most tightly-fought championships. Under his experience and leadership, the team found success almost instantly with a podium at the season opener in São Paulo followed by victory at the next race in Mexico City earlier this year.
The level of expertise and empathy Blais had, for both those that knew him and worked alongside him, makes his passing a truly devastating loss. His presence, with his trademark black-framed glasses and witty sense of humor, in addition to his proficiency across so many fields, made him an integral part of the championship.
His death will be felt far and wide across Formula E, and motor racing, and our thoughts go out to his colleagues, family and friends. As we prepare to race in Tokyo, a location that Blais and his team have won at the last two consecutive seasons, we will grieve the loss of one of our great talents.