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McLaren Racing Announces Departure from Formula E to Focus on Broader Motorsport Goals
McLaren Racing has officially confirmed its decision to exit the Formula E championship at the end of the current season. CEO Zak Brown issued a detailed statement explaining the move, highlighting the team’s evolving strategy as it broadens its involvement across various motorsport disciplines.
Currently, McLaren is enjoying a remarkable season in Formula 1, leading the constructors’ standings after capturing the 2024 championship title. Beyond F1, the team maintains a strong presence in other series like IndyCar and Formula E. Looking ahead, McLaren is preparing for its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027. This expansion is part of Brown’s ambitious plan to secure victories at three of motorsport’s crown jewel events—the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and the Monaco Grand Prix—within a single calendar year. McLaren remains the only team to have previously won all three individually and now aims to make history by conquering all three in the same season.
As part of this strategic pivot, McLaren will conclude its Formula E campaign with the NEOM McLaren team, which debuted in the all-electric series in 2022. The team, having recorded one win and six podiums since its inception, is now being prepared for sale, with McLaren seeking a new owner to carry it forward.
Despite the announcement, McLaren’s Formula E performance has been impressive this season. Rising British talent Taylor Barnard currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings, while the team holds third in the teams’ standings after a series of strong results.
In his statement, Zak Brown expressed pride in McLaren’s Formula E achievements and emphasized that stepping away was a necessary move for their future objectives. He praised the role Formula E plays in motorsport innovation but stressed that McLaren must now realign its efforts to focus on upcoming challenges, particularly its WEC ambitions.
Brown also assured fans and staff that the team’s immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition to new ownership, aiming to leave the Formula E team in a strong, competitive position.
Industry experts see McLaren’s departure as a potential advantage for Red Bull Racing’s Formula E programs, reducing competition and potentially opening the door for more frequent podiums and championships for Red Bull-affiliated teams.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s future remains exciting and ambitious. Alongside their dominant F1 campaign, the planned return to endurance racing marks a new chapter for the brand, aiming to build on their historic 1995 Le Mans victory. As McLaren prepares to close its Formula E chapter, fans can still look forward to a thrilling finish, with the team striving for more wins and podiums before their departure.
