McLaren set to depart Formula E amid transition to WEC hypercar entry

Written by Vyas Ponnuri

As Formula E veers towards its Gen4 era, significant news coming in will see one of the sport's newest names disappear before the new set of regulations come into effect at the end of 2026.

NEOM McLaren are set to leave Formula E at the end of the Gen3 era in 2026 | Credit: Andre Ferraro/LAT Images

According to renowned journalist Joe Saward's Business of Motorsport, McLaren are set to depart Formula E at the end of season 11, instead shifting focus onto their highly anticipated hypercar entry into the World Endurance Championship in 2027. This was confirmed by the McLaren Formula E outfit themselves, via a team statement on Friday.

The statement read: "McLaren Racing today announces that following a strategic review of its racing portfolio the decision was taken not to continue our participation in the FIA Formula E World Championship beyond the current 2024/25 season."

"McLaren Racing has always been committed to innovation and excellence in motor racing, and our participation in Formula E has been an important part of that journey."

"The team remains fully committed to fighting for success until the very last race of the season, building on the strong on-track performance to date — including Taylor Barnard becoming the youngest-ever polesitter in Formula E history at the Jeddah E-Prix earlier this year.

"We are confident the series will continue to form an integral part of the multi-facetted motorsport landscape," the statement continued.

"However, we recognise the importance of maintaining a focused and strategic approach to all our racing activities, and this decision will allow us to maximise future opportunities for growth across our key markets and continue to offer partners a versatile and impactful sponsorship ecosystem in the ever-evolving motorsport landscape," the statement from the team concluded.

Initially formed from the remains of the erstwhile Mercedes EQ outfit, McLaren joined Formula E ahead of season nine. With sponsorship coming in from the upcoming Saudi Arabian city NEOM, the team began their inaugural campaign in 2023.

Featuring former Mercedes EQ team principal Ian James at the helm, the Woking-based squad signed former Audi man René Rast, and brought in rookie racer Jake Hughes from Formula 2.

With Hughes quick in qualifying from the outset, McLaren nabbed their first pole in Formula E at Diriyah, in the second of the races on the weekend. In the same race, Rast delivered the papaya team their maiden rostrum appearance, finishing third and taking the fastest lap.

However, McLaren wouldn't make any further podium appearances in 2023. A major change by the team in orange saw Sam Bird take Rast's spot on the team into 2024. The Briton's last-gasp pass on Mitch Evans saw McLaren grab their maiden Formula E victory, in a thrilling São Paulo finish.

Only a few weekends later, reserve Taylor Barnard became Formula E's youngest points scorer at the Berlin E-Prix, subbing in for an injured Bird.

Barnard has emerged as McLaren's star in season 11 so far | Credit: Simon Galloway/LAT Images

Barnard became a full-time rookie ahead of season 11 in late 2024, and has shattered records since, including becoming the youngest to finish on the podium, take pole, and lead a lap, on his way to fourth in the current championship standings.

McLaren have been rumoured to link up with manufacturers, including Hyundai, in the future. But recent noises from the team's stable have hinted at selling the team ahead of the Gen4 era, with Stellantis a potential option, amid their own outfits uncertain of their future.

It is also learned that the team's title sponsorship with Neom is set to expire at the end of 2026, with options to continue for another four years, until the end of the Gen4 era in 2030. However, McLaren has chosen not to opt for additional funding into their Formula E venture, instead choosing to go all-in for their upcoming hypercar funds in 2027.

In order for the team to continue on the Formula E grid post 2025, it will require a new source of funding, a new brand name and a fresh manufacturer deal for the entry to remain on the grid into the Gen4 era.

Should a successful sale be effected, it will leave both Bird and Barnard looking for seats on the Formula E grid. However, it is believed that talks of a potential sale will yield success by the end of May, with current team principal James set to continue in his role as team principal and head up the project.

Formula E is all set to return to racing action in May, with Monaco hosting its first-ever double header weekend in the history of the championship. Do make sure to tune in for all the racing action from the Principality on Saturday, May 3rd.

The post was updated following McLaren's press release on Friday, 25th April, 2024