Zak Brown Announces McLaren’s Exit from Formula E in Major Strategic Shift
In a major shakeup for McLaren Racing, CEO Zak Brown has officially announced that the team will be withdrawing from the Formula E championship at the end of the 2024–25 season. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the company’s strategic direction, as McLaren looks to streamline its focus on its core motorsport programs — Formula 1, IndyCar, and an ambitious new project in endurance racing.
Speaking during the announcement, Brown explained that while Formula E had provided exciting opportunities and valuable experiences, the time had come to concentrate efforts on areas offering the greatest long-term growth and success for McLaren Racing.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” Brown stated. “We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Formula E and are extremely proud of the accomplishments and milestones we’ve reached. Nevertheless, our responsibility is to always plan for the future — a future where McLaren continues to compete at the very top levels of global motorsport.”
Brown elaborated that the withdrawal aligns with McLaren’s broader mission to chase motorsport’s elusive and prestigious “Triple Crown” — achieving victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McLaren has already tasted success in Monaco and at Indy, and now the company is sharpening its focus on claiming victory at Le Mans, primarily through its newly launched Hypercar project, which is expected to debut in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027.
“Our Hypercar project is a cornerstone of McLaren’s future,” Brown said. “Winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans would be a monumental achievement, solidifying our place among the legends of motorsport. Completing the Triple Crown would not just honor our rich history but also set a new standard for our future.”
The decision to exit Formula E comes amid a dynamic time for McLaren across all categories. Formula 1, where McLaren’s team led by Andrea Stella has been showing strong signs of resurgence, is entering a critical new technical era. Meanwhile, in North America, McLaren’s Arrow McLaren IndyCar team continues to make impressive strides, further strengthening the brand’s global footprint.
According to Brown, concentrating resources into F1, IndyCar, and endurance racing will allow McLaren to enhance competitiveness, maximize engineering talent, and optimize financial investments.
McLaren’s Chapter in Formula E
McLaren first entered the Formula E arena ahead of the 2022–23 season by acquiring the assets of the highly successful Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team. Despite high expectations, McLaren’s experience in the all-electric series yielded mixed results. The team earned several podium finishes and built a reputation for strong performances on race days, but overall, they struggled to consistently challenge for championships against the leading teams.
Nonetheless, Brown praised the efforts of McLaren’s Formula E personnel and stressed the valuable lessons learned throughout the campaign. He emphasized that the team’s knowledge of electric racing technology will benefit McLaren’s wider automotive and motorsport initiatives moving forward.
“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our Formula E team for their dedication, expertise, and commitment,” Brown said. “Their contributions have been instrumental in expanding McLaren’s understanding of electric vehicle technologies, which are crucial not only for our racing future but also for our road car development.”
Looking Ahead: McLaren’s New Vision
Following the departure from Formula E, McLaren will double down on its efforts to climb higher in Formula 1 and to continue its impressive rise in IndyCar. At the same time, all eyes within the organization are focused on developing a world-beating Hypercar for its WEC debut in 2027.
The Hypercar development program is already in full swing, with McLaren engineers working closely across its racing divisions and road car teams to create a machine capable of delivering a historic Le Mans victory.
“This is about writing the next legendary chapter for McLaren,” Brown concluded. “We are determined to return to the top across every series we compete in. With a more concentrated focus and a clearer roadmap, we are closer than ever to achieving our ultimate goal — completing the Triple Crown.”
McLaren’s final outings in Formula E will occur during the summer of 2025. Brown and the team are determined to end their chapter in the all-electric series on a high note before fully committing to the fresh challenges and thrilling opportunities that lie ahead.
As the motorsport world watches closely, McLaren’s bold move signals not just an end, but the beginning of a new era — one aimed squarely at restoring the brand to its former glory across the most iconic and challenging racing stages in the world.
