McLaren firms up Formula E exit to focus on WEC entry

McLaren will withdraw from Formula E at the end of the current 2024-25 season, following its recent announcement that it would be entering the World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class in 2027.

The British squad took over from Mercedes at the start of the Gen3 era, introduced in the 2022-23 campaign, as the German marque sold up having elected not to get involved with the third-generation powertrain design after winning consecutive drivers’ titles with Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne.

McLaren took over the entry and became a customer entity, aligning with Nissan to take the Japanese manufacturer’s powertrains. 

The team has started off well this season, with newcomer Taylor Barnard having taken three podiums in the opening five rounds. Despite its form, and the improved performance of the Nissan powertrain, McLaren has chosen to withdraw to focus on making its Hypercar project a success.

“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in Formula E and the series plays an integral part in the overall motorsport landscape,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. 

“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.”

Team principal Ian James, who had been installed by Mercedes to lead the team and subsequently was instrumental in concluding negotiations with McLaren to secure their backing, will once again have to look for a buyer for the team. 

“We have been on an incredible journey so far as a team and are rightly proud of our achievements, and 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. 

“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.”

The team initially competed as HWA Racelab before Mercedes took the squad over officially, and will be onto its fourth guise if it secures a buyer post-McLaren.