McLaren boss Brown announces exit as Red Bull’s…read More
McLaren Racing has officially announced its departure from the Formula E racing series, as confirmed by CEO Zak Brown. This news comes despite the team currently leading the Formula 1 constructors’ championship, having secured the title in 2024. In addition to competing in Formula 1, McLaren is also involved in other racing series, including IndyCar and Formula E.
Looking toward the future, McLaren is set to return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027, aiming to achieve the coveted triple crown by winning the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Indy 500, and the Monaco Grand Prix in the same year. Historically, McLaren is the only team to have won all three prestigious events in its racing history, making this ambition particularly significant.
To facilitate this new focus, McLaren has decided to exit Formula E, and the team is actively seeking a new owner for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. McLaren has participated in Formula E since 2022, securing one E-prix victory and a total of six podium finishes within that time frame. Currently, young driver Taylor Barnard holds the fourth position in the drivers’ standings for the 2024-25 season, while the team occupies third place in the team standings after a successful start to the year.
In his official statement, Brown expressed pride in the team’s achievements in Formula E, acknowledging the series’ importance within the broader motorsport community. However, he noted that the time is right for the team to pursue opportunities that better align with McLaren Racing’s strategic goals, particularly regarding their return to the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027. Brown emphasized their commitment to setting up the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for continued success until a new buyer is secured. He added appreciation for the contributions of the team, Formula E, partners, and fans for their unwavering support.
Regarding their ambitious aspirations, Brown is optimistic about McLaren’s potential to secure the triple crown in one season. Achieving this would require the team to have top-caliber drivers and well-structured teams competing in the Indy 500, Monaco GP, and Le Mans events simultaneously. He reflected on McLaren’s rich history, recalling that they won their debut at Le Mans thirty years ago with a car initially deemed unsuitable for the race, which highlighted their groundbreaking achievements in motorsport.
As Brown rallied enthusiasm within McLaren, he stated, “We’re up for it, we’re ready, we’ll see you at the track.” This determination is supported by talented drivers such as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom possess the skill and ambition to contest for F1 race wins and championships in the upcoming years. The McLaren IndyCar racer Pato O’Ward is also seen as a valuable asset, having already notched seven race victories at just 25 years old.
McLaren’s exit from Formula E represents a significant development for the all-electric racing series, and the search for a new buyer will need to be expedited to maintain the required number of teams for the 2026-27 season. Without a swift resolution, the stability of the grid may be at risk.
