Jake Hughes will join René Rast at McLaren for Season 9, which will mark the English team’s debut in Formula E
After announcing René Rast’s return to Formula E as part of their brand new McLaren line-up, the team today confirmed that Jake Hughes will drive alongside the German in the upcoming Season 9.
Hughes, who graduated from Formula 2 this year, had previously covered the role of Formula E reserve driver during Season 7 and Season 8 with Mercedes-EQ. He will now join the re-branded team for McLaren’s – and his own – debut in the all-electric series.
“Growing up, McLaren was one of the teams that inspired me to start racing. To now go full circle, representing the team myself in Formula E feels incredible,” said Hughes.
“I’ve obviously been with the Formula E team in a different guise before and we have already achieved great results. It’s good to have that relationship and I know what’s expected of me.”
And what an exciting time to join Formula E, Hughes noted, given the changes introduced for the new Gen3 Era.
Confirmed to stay as Managing Director to oversee the transition to McLaren, Ian James stated that since the first announcement, McLaren’s focus had been rather on putting in place new talents, including drivers.
“I’m excited to work together with René and Jake this upcoming season. They are both incredibly talented people, and I think they will both bring something different to the mix,” he said, praising Rast’s racing expertise.
“Jake is an exciting talent, who we have worked with before as our Reserve and Development driver. Over the years, the team and Jake have built a relationship, and that, combined with his sheer talent, will be what can give us an edge going into this season. We’ve given Jake a chance to prove himself on the big stage in Season 9, and his story is a perfect example of the talent development that we believe in as a team.”
McLaren Racing’s CEO Zak Brown also chimed in, echoing Hughes’s excitement for new challenges – and the future prospects for McLaren in the all-electric series.
“I am delighted to announce our full driver line-up for our inaugural season in Formula E. A hugely exciting prospect in single seater competition, Jake also has a history with the team as a development and reserve driver. Alongside René, who is particularly skilled in a wide range of series, which includes previous experience in Formula E, I believe that this pairing will be crucial in helping us hit the ground running in our first season in the series as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.”
With Season 9 set to begin in January with the Mexico City E-Prix, McLaren’s neon orange Formula E livery will make its debut on track at testing ahead of Round 1.
