McLaren is to pull out of Formula E after announcing its decision to commence a Hypercar project for the World Endurance Championship, according to reports.
Formula 1 journalist Joe Saward has written in his Business of Motorsport newsletter that the team will depart the all-electric championship, with resources now being ploughed into its Hypercar, scheduled for 2027.
However, it is currently unclear if the team as a whole will withdraw, or if it will remain under a new guise.
Previous rumours have linked McLaren with a potential joint-venture with Hyundai, and Saward reports that with team boss – and McLaren Automotive’s Director of Motorsport – Ian James is looking to sell, Stellantis could also come into play.
The multinational automaker currently has a two-team strong FE entry with DS Penske and Maserati MSG Racing, but both teams’ futures are currently uncertain.
DS Penske may split, with the American side rumoured to be seeking a joint venture with Porsche, and Maserati’s entry is subject to funding, amid issues finding investment.
FE team’s exit signals driver problems, outgoing Jaguar boss to head-up Hypercar bid
McLaren first entered FE back in Season 9, rebranding the Mercedes team which exited the sport after Season 8.
Backed by Saudi Arabian firm NEOM, the team has had little return in its tenure in the series, winning just one race via Sam Bird in Brazil last year.
The team’s biggest asset is Bird’s current team-mate, Taylor Barnard, who has already become the youngest points-scorer, podium-finisher and pole-sitter in FE series.
McLaren’s potential exit could signal a crossroads for the Norwich-born youngster, who is quickly making a name for himself as one of the brightest talents in British motorsport.
German Formula E news website e-Formula.News has reported that James Barclay, who announced last week that he is leaving is role at Jaguar, is going to be heading-up McLaren’s hypercar outfit.
Barclay will also vacate his role as JLR’s Managing Director of Motorsport, a job similar to James’ position at McLaren.
By moving, Barclay will report to James, and leaves Jaguar in search of a new leader, with Barclay having been its key figurehead for so long.
At the Miami E-Prix, Bird told Motorsport Week that he would be interested in a role with the setup, saying: “To do the Hypercar and be part of the first win in Hypercar, and I’ve been the first winner in two different categories from McLaren, that’d be cool,”
READ MORE – Jaguar Formula E boss to quit at the end of the season
