McLaren exits Formula E, eyes WEC future
McLaren Racing will exit Formula E after the 2024-25 season to focus on its 2027 WEC Hypercar entry. Despite strong results this season, the team is seeking new ownership to continue in the all-electric series.
British racing giant announces exit from electric series after 2024-25 season, prioritizing strategic 2027 WEC entry
McLaren Racing will withdraw from Formula E at the conclusion of the current season.
The decision comes in the wake of the team's recently announced plans to end.
From Mercedes customer to exit strategy
The Woking-based outfit joined Formula E at the start of the Gen3 era in the 2022-23 season, effectively taking over Mercedes' entry after the German manufacturer departed following consecutive drivers' championships with Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne.
As a customer team, McLaren formed a technical partnership with Nissan to utilize the Japanese manufacturer's powertrains.
Despite showing competitive form this season—including three podium finishes for newcomer Taylor Barnard in the opening five rounds—the team has decided to redirect its resources toward its ambitious Hypercar project.
Strategic realignment
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown explained the decision as part of a broader strategic shift for the racing organization.
"We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in Formula E and the series plays an integral part in the overall motorsport landscape,"
said Brown.
"But the time is right to explore other opportunities that more closely align with McLaren Racing's overall strategic direction—including our 2027 entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship."
Brown emphasized that McLaren remains committed to finishing the current Formula E season strongly while working to secure new ownership for the team.
Team principal's perspective
Team Principal Ian James, who previously oversaw the transition from Mercedes to McLaren, now faces the challenge of finding a new buyer for the Formula E operation.
"We have been on an incredible journey so far as a team and are rightly proud of our achievements,"
James said.
"This team is second-to-none in terms of the talent within—talent which has delivered huge success in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
James highlighted the team's appreciation for Formula E as a championship and platform for positive change, noting that work is already underway to explore opportunities for the team to continue competing beyond the current season.
A team in transition
The Formula E team has undergone several transformations in recent years.
Initially competing as HWA Racelab before Mercedes' official takeover, then transitioning to McLaren, the outfit will soon enter its fourth iteration if a new buyer is secured.
While McLaren's departure represents a significant shift in the Formula E landscape, the team's current performance suggests the operation remains valuable and competitive within the all-electric championship.
For McLaren Racing, the decision reflects a prioritization of resources toward its expanding motorsport portfolio, with the WEC Hypercar program now taking center stage in the company's long-term racing strategy.
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