Woking, UK – April 25, 2025 – McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has today confirmed a significant strategic shift for the British motorsport giant, announcing the team’s withdrawal from the FIA Formula E World Championship at the end of the current 2024/25 season.
This decision comes after a comprehensive review of McLaren Racing’s global motorsport activities. While acknowledging the importance of Formula E in the broader motorsport landscape, Brown stated that the move will allow the team to “explore other opportunities that more closely align with McLaren Racing’s overall strategic direction,” most notably their previously announced entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class from 2027.
McLaren took over the Formula E entry from Mercedes ahead of the 2022/23 season. In their relatively short tenure in the all-electric series, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, led by Team Principal Ian James, has achieved notable success, including Sam Bird’s victory at the Sao Paulo E-Prix in 2024 and rookie Taylor Barnard becoming the youngest-ever polesitter in the series at the Jeddah E-Prix earlier this year. The team currently sits third in the teams’ championship standings.
Zak Brown expressed his pride in McLaren’s achievements in Formula E, emphasizing the series’ integral role in motorsport. However, he reiterated the strategic rationale behind the exit, focusing on maximizing future growth opportunities across their key markets and offering partners a versatile and impactful sponsorship ecosystem.
The decision coincides with reports suggesting that NEOM, the Saudi Arabian smart city project and the team’s title sponsor, was planning to conclude its funding at the end of 2026. McLaren’s early departure will necessitate the search for a new owner to ensure the continued operation of the current Formula E team beyond the current season. Formula E has acknowledged McLaren’s decision and confirmed ongoing discussions with potential partners and investors to maintain the team’s presence in the championship under a new identity if required.
Ian James, Team Principal of McLaren Electric Racing, acknowledged the “incredible journey” and expressed gratitude to McLaren Racing, partners, and fans for their support. He affirmed the team’s commitment to a strong finish to the current season and indicated that work is already underway to explore the best options for the team to continue competing in Formula E beyond Season 11.
McLaren’s departure marks a significant moment for Formula E, losing a prominent brand from its grid. However, the series has a history of adapting to team changes and remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing the ongoing commercial appeal of electric racing. McLaren will now focus its resources on its Formula 1 program, its successful IndyCar operations, and its upcoming foray into the WEC’s Hypercar category, aiming to achieve success in the world’s premier motorsport championships, including a potential pursuit of the Triple Crown of Motorsport (wins in the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans) from 2027.
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