Just In: McLaren Boss Brown announce EXIT as Red Bull h…read more
McLaren to Depart Formula E as Zak Brown Sets Sights on Triple Crown Triumph
McLaren Racing has announced a pivotal shift in its motorsport strategy, confirming it will withdraw from the Formula E championship to focus on a bold new goal: winning motorsport’s prestigious Triple Crown within a single season. Zak Brown, McLaren Racing’s CEO, revealed that the decision is part of a broader realignment of the company’s global racing ambitions, as they plan a full-fledged entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2027.
Currently leading the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, McLaren already operates across several top-tier racing series, including Formula 1, IndyCar, and until now, Formula E. With their sights now firmly set on returning to the WEC — particularly the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans — the team is aiming to write a new chapter in motorsport history. While McLaren is the only team to have achieved victories in all three of motorsport’s crown jewel events — the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans — Brown’s vision is to do what no team has ever done: win all three within a single calendar year.
Brown emphasized McLaren’s legacy in endurance racing, reminding fans of the team’s unexpected 1995 Le Mans win on debut. “That victory proved our capability as a racing organization,” he said. “Now, we want to push even further. To win all three Triple Crown races in one season would be an achievement unlike any other. It’s time to aim higher.”
As part of this strategic pivot, McLaren will exit Formula E, a championship they joined in 2022 through the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Despite being relatively new to the all-electric series, McLaren found success, claiming a race victory and six podium finishes. Their current campaign has been promising, with young British driver Taylor Barnard sitting fourth in the 2024–25 Drivers’ Standings, while the team ranks third overall.
Brown acknowledged the accomplishments of the Formula E team and the importance of the series to motorsport’s sustainable future. However, he explained that the decision to leave was necessary in order to reallocate resources toward long-term strategic priorities — namely, the upcoming WEC entry. “Formula E is an exciting and valuable platform,” Brown said. “But as we align our vision for McLaren’s future, this is the right time to take a different direction — one that brings us closer to our Triple Crown goal.”
Efforts are currently underway to secure a new buyer for McLaren’s Formula E operation, with the goal of preserving the team’s continued involvement and success in the championship under new leadership. The departure leaves a noticeable gap in Formula E and poses challenges for the series as it looks to maintain a competitive grid for the 2026–27 season.
Looking forward, McLaren’s ambitions are supported by a strong driver roster across their racing programs. In Formula 1, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have emerged as title contenders, while in IndyCar, Pato O’Ward continues to impress with seven career wins. As McLaren shifts focus to its WEC entry, the motorsport world will be watching to see if the team can accomplish what has long seemed impossible — clinching the Triple Crown in a single year.
About The Author
