McLaren partners with Nissan for Formula E Gen3 powertrain

©Nissan

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McLaren and Nissan have announced a multi-year technical collaboration that will begin at the start of Formula E's 2022/23 ninth season that will also mark the beginning of the Gen3 era for FE.

The partnership will see Nissan supply its EV powertrain technology to the McLaren FE Team, with the two parties working closely together as they compete against other manufacturers in the all-electric series.

McLaren has entered Formula E by way of its acquisition last month of the Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team following the German manufacturer's decision to withdraw from the series.

A contender in FE since 2018 in collaboration with the Renault-supported e.dams outfit, Nissan purchased the French team earlier this year, a move that his given it full control of the manufacturing and operational sides of its FE involvement.

Read also: Porsche releases first photos of Gen3 Formula E car on track

"As we are shaping the team for its first season as McLaren in Formula E, we are naturally seeking the best partnerships and opportunities on every front – with the technical aspect being one of the key areas," said McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown.

"Nissan have proven their knowledge, craft and commitment over the last four seasons in Formula E, and heading into the Gen3 era, we have full confidence that the collaboration will bring both parties much success.

"This will be a true partnership that will drive both the team’s performance and the development of the Nissan Formula E powertrain technology."

©Nissan

Nissan Formula E chief Tommaso Volpe added: "At Nissan, we are in Formula E not only to race, but also to showcase to a diverse range of viewers just how impressive, powerful, and efficient our electric vehicles are.

"Our collaboration with McLaren will provide us with even more opportunities to accelerate the development of our technology and showcase it to fans all over the world."

McLaren has yet to announce its driver line-up for its debut season, but the team might well rely on Mercedes-EQ's current pairing of reigning FE champion Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne.

“Our new partnership with McLaren Racing will be a powerful one, as the association will inspire collaboration and knowledge sharing," said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.

"The pioneering spirit and drive to innovate are characteristics Nissan and McLaren Racing share, making them an ideal partner for us in Formula E and as we continue to electrify our vehicles."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.