Breaking: Zak Brown Confirms McLaren’s Exit as Red Bull finally…read more

McLaren Confirms Departure from Formula E as Focus Turns to New Racing Endeavors

McLaren Racing has officially announced it will withdraw from the Formula E championship at the conclusion of the current season. CEO Zak Brown released a comprehensive statement explaining the decision, marking a significant strategic shift for the Woking-based team as it continues to broaden its presence across various motorsport arenas.

Currently, McLaren is experiencing a golden period in Formula 1, having captured the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. Their impressive F1 campaign stands alongside their active participation in other series such as IndyCar and Formula E. Looking ahead, McLaren is also preparing for a major return to endurance racing, with plans to join the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027. This forms a crucial part of Zak Brown’s ambitious long-term vision: winning the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix within the same calendar year—a historic feat no team has yet achieved. Notably, McLaren remains the only organization to have won all three individually.

As a result of this strategic realignment, McLaren has decided to step away from Formula E. The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, which entered the electric series in 2022, will be sold, with McLaren actively seeking a new owner to continue the team’s journey. During their short time in the championship, McLaren achieved notable success, including one race victory and six podium finishes, earning respect across the paddock.

This season, McLaren’s Formula E squad has performed exceptionally well. Rising British star Taylor Barnard has impressed, currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings. Meanwhile, the NEOM McLaren team itself holds third place in the teams’ championship, showcasing consistent and competitive performances throughout the campaign.

Zak Brown expressed immense pride in the achievements of McLaren’s Formula E effort but stressed that moving on was necessary for the brand’s broader ambitions. In his statement, he acknowledged Formula E’s critical role in promoting electric racing and innovation but emphasized that McLaren’s strategic future lies elsewhere. Brown reiterated the company’s full commitment to setting up the Formula E team for success under new ownership, ensuring a smooth transition that respects the team’s impressive groundwork.

> “Formula E has been a fantastic platform for us to demonstrate innovation and talent. However, with our WEC entry on the horizon and our goals becoming even more focused, we believe this is the right moment to shift our resources,” Brown explained. “We are dedicated to ensuring the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team thrives with new leadership.”

McLaren’s exit from Formula E has also stirred interest among motorsport insiders, who view it as a potential boost for Red Bull Racing’s electric racing ambitions. With McLaren stepping away, Red Bull’s affiliated teams could face less competition, giving them a clearer path to podium finishes and championship contention.

Despite leaving Formula E, McLaren’s future remains brighter than ever. Their dominant F1 season and preparations for a WEC return signal a new era of competitive endurance racing for the team. Having already claimed victory at Le Mans in 1995, McLaren aims to build on its illustrious legacy when it returns in 2027.

For now, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team remains focused on finishing their final season strongly, with hopes of delivering more wins and podiums before they bid farewell to the all-electric series.