McLaren to depart Formula E at end of 2024-25 season to refocus on core ambitions

McLaren to Exit Formula E After 2024-25 Season to Focus on Formula 1, IndyCar, and WEC Hypercar Program

McLaren Racing has announced its decision to exit the Formula E championship at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, as the organization shifts its focus toward Formula 1, IndyCar, and a planned hypercar program under the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), which kicks off in 2027.

The reigning Formula 1 constructors' champions revealed the decision following a thorough strategic review of their racing operations. According to McLaren CEO Zak Brown, the move aligns with the company’s long-term vision.

"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 said in a formal statement on Friday. "For now, we are focused on setting this great team up for future success by working towards securing a new owner."

As McLaren prepares to bow out of Formula E after three seasons, there is a slight possibility for their involvement to extend into the end of the championship’s Gen3 era in 2026, according to a spokesperson from the electric series.

McLaren’s Pursuit of the Triple Crown

McLaren's renewed focus underscores the organization’s ambition to claim motorsport’s elusive "Triple Crown"—winning the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Le Mans 24 Hours, and the Indianapolis 500. As the team courts new horizons, Formula E, with its city-based races and a Monaco round, is not seen as a pivotal platform in their pursuit.

Formula E’s Response to McLaren’s Departure

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E under the Liberty Global umbrella, acknowledged the significance of McLaren’s decision but emphasized the series’ resilience and overarching appeal to other manufacturers.

"I can't sugar-coat it; it's bad news," Dodds admitted during a video call with the media. "We can't deny McLaren's a power brand in racing, and therefore we would prefer they continued in the championship."

However, Dodds struck a note of optimism and pointed to the enduring strength of the series, which still boasts significant backing from manufacturers such as Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Stellantis Group, and Yamaha, five of whom have already committed to the arrival of the Gen4 regulations.

"These are not small manufacturers," Dodds emphasized. "These are big, globally recognized names. So I think we're in a really good place despite McLaren’s exit."

McLaren’s Journey in Formula E

McLaren initially entered Formula E in 2023 after acquiring the British-based outfit from Mercedes, which left to concentrate on its Formula 1 endeavors. The NEOM-backed McLaren team, led separately by Ian James, has achieved respectable results and currently sits third overall after five rounds of the ongoing season.

Given Formula E’s identity as a championship centered around sustainable and all-electric racing, attracting and losing manufacturers has been a recurring theme. Industry heavyweights Audi and BMW have also come and gone due to evolving commitments and market pressures. Dodds admitted external economic factors, including tariffs and global market volatility, have created challenges for manufacturers. However, he expressed confidence in Formula E’s durability, supported by Liberty Global’s long-term commitment and a growing fan base of nearly 400 million worldwide.

"This is a storm we will ride out," Dodds said confidently. "McLaren’s exit opens opportunities for another motivated manufacturer to join and contribute to our series’ growth."

The Future of McLaren’s Motorsport Direction

Dodds referred to McLaren as a “pure customer team” that relies on Nissan’s powertrain technology for its Formula E program, describing their presence in the championship as largely a branding venture. With the conclusion of their Formula E chapter on the horizon, McLaren's motorsport direction is now laser-focused on landmark races and long-term growth projects in Formula 1, IndyCar, and endurance racing.

For now, the challenge ahead will be managing a graceful transition out of Formula E while ensuring the team’s achievements and personnel remain well-positioned in the sport’s competitive ecosystem.

Up Next