McLaren has confirmed that it will withdraw its team from Formula E after just three seasons of competition, opting to shift its focus onto its new Hypercar project.
The team – backed by Saudi Arabian firm NEOM – entered FE back in Season 9, taking over Mercedes-EQ team that pulled out after its successful stint in the all-electric championship.
In its three seasons, the team currently has just four pole positions and one win to its name, coming courtesy of Sam Bird in São Paulo last year.
The McLaren organisation’s recent announcement that it will enter a Hypercar for the World Endurance Championship in 2027 is a huge factor in this decision,
In a statement, McLaren Racing said: “McLaren Racing today announces that following a strategic review of its racing portfolio the decision was taken not to continue our participation in the FIA Formula E World Championship beyond the current 2024/25 season.”
It adds that “[recognises] the importance of maintaining a focused and strategic approach to all our racing activities, and the decision will allow us to maximise future opportunities for growth across our key markets and continue to offer partners a versatile and impactful sponsorship ecosystem in the ever-evolving motorsport landscape.”
McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown said: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in Formula E and the series plays an integral part in the overall motorsport landscape, but the time is right to explore other opportunities that more closely align with McLaren Racing’s overall strategic direction – including our 2027 entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“For now, we are focused on setting this great team up for future success by working towards securing a new owner.
“The team has delivered a strong start to the year and we intend to finish the season on a high. I’d like to thank the team, Formula E, our partners, and our fans for their continued support.”
McLaren FE boss looking to go out ‘in style’
McLaren Automotive’s Director of Motorsport Ian James has headed-up the team’s venture as team principal, was keen to extend his gratitude to all involved in the team’s FE story.
“We have been on an incredible journey so far as a team and are rightly proud of our achievements.
“Since the start of Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, we have been extremely fortunate to have been an integral part of the McLaren Racing family.
“My heartfelt thanks goes out to the company, our partners and all of our fans, for their trust and support throughout, which will continue as we fight to the end of this year’s Championship.
“This team is second-to-none in terms of the talent within – talent which has delivered huge success in the past and will continue to do so in the future.”
James also added his wish that the team will continue to strive for results between now and the season’s end.
“Although our McLaren Racing chapter comes to an end, we recognise the value and power of Formula E as a World Championship and platform for positive change as the sport goes from strength to strength.
“Work is well underway to explore the best opportunities for the team to continue competing beyond Season 11.
“In the meantime, we will be giving our all to make sure that we finish the current chapter of our Formula E adventure in style.”
FE confirms ‘possibility’ of continuing partnership
Amid the announcement, Formula E has said that whilst the McLaren name will disappear, it is hopeful that the team will continue under a different guise, as reported yesterday.
A Formula E spokesperson said: “In response to recent reports, Formula E can confirm that, following changes to its sponsorship portfolio, McLaren has informed us of its intention to withdraw its brand from the customer team it currently operates in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
“While this may take effect at the end of the current season, there remains the possibility that the partnership could continue through the end of Gen3 in 2026.
“We recognise that the commercial landscape in motorsport is dynamic and often subject to change. Despite this development, the team, under the leadership of Ian James, is already engaged in positive discussions with potential partners and investors.
“We are confident the team will remain a strong presence in the championship, operating under a new identity if required.
“Since entering the series in 2019, the team has earned multiple Teams’ and Drivers’ World Championships, and stands as a proven platform for brands seeking to compete at the highest level of electric motorsport.
“Formula E continues to grow at pace, with our global fan base increasing by 23% last season to nearly 400 million, and TV viewership rising by 35% to almost 500 million. We remain one of the most innovative and compelling motorsport platforms in the world.
“We look forward to a successful remainder of the season for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team and will continue to support Ian James and his team as they navigate this transition and prepare for Season 12 and beyond.”
READ MORE – McLaren to pull out of Formula E amid WEC entry – report
There are reports (including from The Race) that another Stellantis brand, likely Opel, is poised to join Formula E. With this development, I think they will have no problem acquiring the team post-McLaren. If not them, Lotus should consider joining the championship (their classic green and yellow colours would look good on an FE car).