McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and Neom McLaren FE Team Principal Ian James have both stressed that the side are “fully committed” to the future of the all-electric series.
This weekend’s Diriyah double-header is a home E-Prix in many ways for McLaren, with their title sponsor being from Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the weekend, James confirmed that McLaren would complete the Gen3 era as a Nissan customer team, meaning they’ll continue to receive hardware from the Japanese manufacturer in Gen3.5.
Gen3.5 takes place in Season 11 and Season 12, meaning that McLaren’s partnership with Nissan will continue until at least 2026. But what does the future beyond Season 12 hold for McLaren?
Season 13 (2026/27) is when Gen4 will be introduced, something James revealed McLaren are “setting out the blueprint” for alongside the FIA and Formula E.
McLaren are absolutely committed to staying in Formula E into Gen4, although it’s “too early” to say whether they’ll enter the new era with Nissan, another manufacturer, or perhaps as a powertrain supplier themselves.
“Absolutely committed. Formula E, I think, is very much again on an upward trajectory,” James said during a press conference, following a question by Motorsport Week.
“I think if we take a look at even the start of this season, the engagement that we’ve got, the viewing figures and so on and so forth, that’s moving again in the right direction. The calendar is looking very, very strong indeed, both with races that we’ve had for quite some time now, but some great new venues as well. So all of that is moving in the right direction.
“And then we’re very much engaged with the FIA, with FE, in really setting out what the blueprint looks like, what that roadmap looks like for the future. So Gen4 is shaping up to be a significant step forward from Gen3. And from a racing perspective, and Zak mentioned it earlier, McLaren family exists to go racing.
“That excites us greatly today. We’re a customer team, as you know of Nissan, very pleased with the collaboration that we’ve had there, and we’re continuing to work with them and that will continue throughout the Gen3 programme.
“I think it’s early, too early to say at the moment what the future looks like for Gen4, but I think that we’re very well set up as a team to be able to add more value and influence into the development process.
“So as we’re now positioned, I think, and well established going into our second season within Formula E, that’s something that we’re going to be looking to capitalise on for Gen4.”
Brown echoed James’ comments and stressed that the Woking-based team are “fully committed” to the all-electric single-seater series.
“I don’t really have anything else,” said Brown. “I’ll just reiterate what Ian said that we’re fully committed to Formula E.”
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