Zak Brown Confirms McLaren’s Exit from Formula E as Focus Shifts to New Racing Ventures
McLaren Racing has officially announced its decision to withdraw from the Formula E championship, with CEO Zak Brown releasing a detailed statement outlining the move. The decision marks a major shift for the Woking-based team, which continues to expand its presence across various motorsport categories.
Currently, McLaren is enjoying a highly successful season in Formula 1, sitting at the top of the constructors’ standings after securing the championship title in 2024. Beyond F1, McLaren has maintained a strong footprint across multiple series, including IndyCar and Formula E. Additionally, plans are already underway for their return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) beginning in 2027. This ambitious strategy is part of Brown’s broader vision for McLaren, which includes achieving victories at three of motorsport’s most prestigious events—the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Monaco Grand Prix—in the same year. McLaren remains the only racing organization to have won all three at different times, and now seeks to make history by conquering all three in a single calendar year.
As part of this realignment, McLaren will step away from Formula E at the end of the current season. The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, which has been competing in the all-electric championship since 2022, is now being prepared for sale, with the organization actively seeking a new owner. Since their debut, McLaren’s Formula E team has shown flashes of brilliance, securing one race win and achieving six podium finishes across their time in the series.
In the ongoing 2024-25 Formula E season, McLaren’s performance has been particularly impressive. Young British driver Taylor Barnard has emerged as a standout talent, currently sitting fourth in the drivers’ standings. Meanwhile, the NEOM McLaren team itself is performing strongly, holding third place in the teams’ standings after a series of excellent early-season results.
Zak Brown expressed his pride in what McLaren has accomplished during their time in Formula E, while emphasizing that the decision to leave was strategically necessary for the company’s future plans. In a statement, he said:
> “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in Formula E. The series plays an integral role in the overall motorsport landscape, offering innovation and pushing the boundaries of electric racing. However, the time is right for McLaren Racing to explore new opportunities that align more closely with our long-term strategic goals. A significant part of this is our 2027 entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship, where we aim to add to McLaren’s legacy across multiple forms of top-level motorsport.”
Brown also reassured fans and team members that McLaren’s immediate focus is on ensuring a successful transition.
> “Our attention is fully on setting this great team up for success under new ownership. We believe that the team has tremendous potential, as evidenced by the strong start to this season. Our goal is to finish the season on a high note and provide a solid foundation for whoever takes the reins in the future.”
McLaren’s exit from Formula E is being seen by many industry insiders as a positive development for Red Bull Racing’s electric racing efforts. With one of their key competitors departing the scene, Red Bull’s affiliated teams are expected to benefit from less competition for podiums and championships in upcoming seasons. While Red Bull’s main Formula E outfit has already demonstrated competitiveness, McLaren’s withdrawal could provide them with a clearer path to consistent success in the all-electric series.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s future looks as busy and ambitious as ever. Alongside their dominant F1 campaign, the team’s commitment to returning to WEC signals a renewed focus on endurance racing. McLaren’s history in long-distance racing is already significant, with a famous win at Le Mans in 1995. Their 2027 project is shaping up to be a major new chapter for the brand, with hopes of replicating—and even surpassing—their previous glory days.
As for Formula E, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team remains highly competitive, and Brown is confident that the team will find a suitable buyer who can build on its success. For now, McLaren fans can look forward to what could be a thrilling final chapter in Formula E, as the team pushes for wins and podiums to conclude their all-electric journey on a high.
