McLaren Racing has announced that it will withdraw from the all-electric FIA Formula E World Championship at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, following a strategic review of its global motorsport activities. The decision ends a short but impactful chapter for the iconic British team in the all-electric series and preludes its plans to contest the World Endurance Championship, that includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 2027.
Since entering Formula E, McLaren – which is currently leading the Formula 1 World Championship – has brought its hallmark focus of innovation and excellence to the highest-profile electric racing series. Despite its brief tenure, the team made headlines when Sam Bird won the Sao Paolo E-Prix in 2024 with a thrilling last-lap pass, while 19-year-old Taylor Barnard claimed pole position at the Jeddah E-Prix earlier this year, becoming the youngest polesitter in the series’ history.
In a statement, McLaren emphasized its ongoing commitment to performing at the highest level through the final race of the season. “The team remains fully committed to fighting for success until the very last race,” the release stated, praising the squad’s recent progress and competitiveness.
While acknowledging Formula E’s continued significance in global motorsport, McLaren cited the need for a more focused approach across its racing operations. By streamlining its program, the company aims to unlock new growth opportunities and deliver greater value to its partners across key markets.
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing’s CEO, 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.”
McLaren took over the Formula E outfit that was previously the works Mercedes EQ entry in 2022 with backing from Saudi Arabia’s NEOM ‘future city’. This race team, which uses powertrains supplied by Nissan, will now require another rebrand, and fresh investment once its current NEOM deal ends.
From 2027, McLaren will be the only racing team competing in Formula 1, IndyCar, and the WEC. With victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans already to its name, McLaren remains the sole team to have achieved motorsport’s elusive Triple Crown – a feat it now intends to chase once more.
As the team prepares to bow out of Formula E, and its papaya and black cars will soon depart the all-electric grid, McLaren will increase its focus on chasing glory in racing’s most prestigious stages.
Source: McLaren