F1 News, Reports and Race Results

McLaren to exit Formula E to focus on WEC Hypercar ambitions

McLaren Racing has announced that it will withdraw from Formula E at the end of the current 2024-25 season, redirecting its efforts toward its recently confirmed entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class in 2027.

The decision marks the end of a brief but notable chapter in Team Papay’s electric racing journey, which began when it took over the Mercedes EQ Formula E team at the start of the Gen3 era.

Partnered with Nissan as a customer powertrain team, McLaren has shown competitive promise this season, with rookie driver Taylor Barnard securing three podiums in the opening five rounds.

However, despite this success, McLaren’s strategic pivot to endurance racing signals a bold new chapter, leaving the team to seek a new owner to carry its Formula E legacy forward.

A Strategic Shift Towards Endurance Racing

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown confirmed that the team is looking ahead to new horizons.

“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 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.”

Commitment to a Strong Finish

As McLaren prepares to exit the FIA Formula E Championship, Brown underscored the team’s dedication to concluding the season strongly and ensuring a smooth transition.

“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,” he said.

McLaren NEOM Formula E team principal Ian James.

Team principal Ian James – who previously led the team under Mercedes and played a key role in the McLaren transition – acknowledged the upcoming change with gratitude and hope for what lies ahead.

“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,” James said.

“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.”

Should a buyer be found, the team — which began life as HWA Racelab before becoming Mercedes EQ and later McLaren — will be reborn for a fourth time.

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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.

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