Nyck de Vries endured a difficult campaign in Formula E last season, scoring points on just two occasions and lacking raw speed.
The Dutchman suffered a lacklustre year, which was a significant step backwards after clinching the title just three years earlier in the 2020-21 season before trying to launch a career in Formula 1.
De Vries joined Mahindra to begin the new phase of his career, signing for the team to return to Formula E after three successful seasons with Mercedes from 2019 to 2022.
He will be looking to improve in Season 11 after a difficult campaign last time out and push to return to the front of the field.
There are also significant rule changes coming to Formula E with the introduction of the GEN3 EVO car, which could add an extra layer of complication to the campaign.
De Vries told RacingNews365 that the tweaks Formula E are introducing to the rules could be significant over the season, and Mahindra must take them seriously.
Nyck De Vries believes Mahindra ‘shouldn’t underestimate’ Formula E introducing four-wheel drive
Formula E has been a championship of innovation since it began in 2014, becoming the first all-electric single-seater series.
It is also continuing to develop as four-wheel drive will be introduced in the 2024-25 season, an aspect which will be used for the first time in not just Formula E but in single-seaters.
The four-wheel drive system will be available at the start of races, when attack mode is being deployed and in qualifying during the duels.
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Hankook will also provide softer tyres for Season 11, which should decrease lap times as cars will have more mechanical grip over a stint.
De Vries feels the rule changes are significant and said: “The sporting regulations are changing quite significantly, I think we shouldn’t underestimate the little changes there are and what effect they could have on the races.
“Attack mode in four-wheel drive, the tyres are significantly quicker, but equally, have a lot of degradation, and potential fast-charging. So I think that the racing in that regard will change a little bit, and I think that’s going to be interesting.”
Mahindra may be able to move forward in Season 11
Mahindra endured a difficult season and will be hoping to make progress over the upcoming campaign towards the front.
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They will be boosted by the new M11 Electro powertrain although other teams have also made steps forwards, such as Kiro Race Co, running a Porsche power unit.
Mahindra will also be able to benefit from a very experienced driver line-up with De Vries and Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara, who is returning for a second season with the team.