British driver Jake Hughes will join René Rast at NEOM McLaren for the Woking-based outfit's debut in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.
Hughes' 2022 season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing was unfortunately curtailed due to the Briton testing positive for Covid last summer.
But the 28-year-old, who assumed a reserve/development role with Venturi and Mercedes in Formula E in the last two seasons, will resume his motorsport career with a race seat in the all-electric series with NEOM McLaren which has acquired the assets of the Mercedes EQ team.
"Growing up, McLaren was one of the teams that inspired me to start racing. To now go full circle, representing the team myself in Formula E feels incredible," said Hughes.
"I’ve obviously been with the Formula E team in a different guise before and we have already achieved great results. It’s good to have that relationship and I know what’s expected of me.
"Coming in at a time where a new generation car is introduced in the series excites me. It feels like a good opportunity and chance, especially being a rookie in Season 9.
"It’s set to be a great year and I can’t wait to kick off the journey ahead!"
Former Mercedes EQ team boss Ian James has transitioned into his leading role with NEOM McLaren and will oversee Rast and Hughes efforts with the outfit as it tackles Formula E's Gen3 era.
"I’m excited to work together with René and Jake this upcoming season," said James. "They are both incredibly talented people, and I think they will both bring something different to the mix.
"Jake is an exciting talent, who we have worked with before as our Reserve and Development driver.
"Over the years, the team and Jake have built a relationship, and that, combined with his sheer talent, will be what can give us an edge going into this season.
"We’ve given Jake a chance to prove himself on the big stage in Season 9, and his story is a perfect example of the talent development that we believe in as a team."
McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown is equally excited about his electric team's prospects.
"I am delighted to announce our full driver line-up for our inaugural season in Formula E," said Brown.
"A hugely exciting prospect in single seater competition, Jake also has a history with the team as a development and reserve driver.
"Alongside René, who is particularly skilled in a wide range of series, which includes previous experience in Formula E, I believe that this pairing will be crucial in helping us hit the ground running in our first season in the series as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team."
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
