McLaren to Exit Formula E as Zak Brown Unveils Strategic Refocus Toward Triple Crown Quest
McLaren Racing has announced a major shift in its motorsport strategy with the decision to withdraw from the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the conclusion of the 2024–25 season. CEO Zak Brown revealed the news in a formal announcement, explaining that the move reflects a realignment of McLaren’s long-term goals. The company will now concentrate its efforts and resources on three core pillars of competition: Formula 1, IndyCar, and endurance racing — particularly with an eye on achieving motorsport’s prestigious “Triple Crown.”
Brown acknowledged that Formula E had been a meaningful chapter in McLaren’s racing journey, bringing valuable experiences and technical insights. However, he stressed that the team must now prioritize areas with the most potential for long-term success and global impact.
“This wasn’t a decision we made lightly,” Brown stated. “Our time in Formula E has been rewarding, and we’ve celebrated some fantastic moments along the way. But our obligation is to look forward, to anticipate where we can make the biggest impact and secure McLaren’s place at the summit of international motorsport.”
The company’s revised strategy is heavily influenced by its pursuit of the elusive Triple Crown — an achievement only one driver (Graham Hill) has managed to accomplish. For McLaren, that goal means winning the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the team has already secured wins at Monaco and Indy in its history, it still seeks a modern-era victory at Le Mans. The brand is now turning its focus toward a new Hypercar program, which is set to debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) by 2027.
“The Hypercar project is more than just a new racing program,” said Brown. “It represents our vision for the future. A win at Le Mans would be a monumental achievement for McLaren and would honor our heritage while pushing us toward a new golden era.”
Brown emphasized that the Formula E exit is part of a larger strategy to enhance performance across all active racing platforms. With the Formula 1 team under Andrea Stella making steady progress and McLaren’s Arrow McLaren squad becoming increasingly competitive in the IndyCar Series, the company is now doubling down on those fronts. The reallocation of resources will help McLaren better invest in engineering excellence, talent development, and technological innovation across its remaining programs.
McLaren’s Formula E story began in 2022 when the team took over the assets of the former Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team. Hopes were high, and while the team achieved several podiums and strong race-day performances, consistency and championship contention remained elusive. Despite the mixed results, Brown expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts and the valuable knowledge gained in the electric racing domain.
“I want to thank every single member of our Formula E team,” he said. “Their dedication has helped McLaren expand its understanding of electric vehicle performance, which not only benefits our racing division but has meaningful crossover into our road car innovations as well.”
Looking ahead, McLaren’s engineering teams are already deeply involved in developing the Hypercar that will compete at Le Mans. The initiative is being closely integrated with the company’s road car division to create a high-performance machine that blends racing pedigree with cutting-edge technology. The project represents a critical part of McLaren’s blueprint to return to the forefront of endurance racing.
“As we close the chapter on Formula E, we’re opening a new and incredibly exciting one,” Brown concluded. “This is about building a future where McLaren leads in every arena we enter. With a more focused approach, we’re closer than ever to achieving our dream of completing the Triple Crown.”
McLaren’s final races in Formula E will take place in the summer of 2025. Until then, the team aims to leave a lasting mark on the series before moving on to embrace the new challenges that await in Formula 1, IndyCar, and endurance racing.
