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.

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.

• Read also: ‘We’re back’ – McLaren announces WEC Hypercar entry in 2027!

“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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