Written by Max Smolarski, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
René Rast will not participate in Season 10 of Formula E, having seen out a full season with NEOM McLaren. It seems to be no surprise the German driver hasn’t been too happy with his all-electric campaign, both this season, and in 2021 with Audi. He was outscored by both his teammates, by Lucas Di Grassi at Audi, and by Jake Hughes at NEOM McLaren respectively.
Despite being a rapid driver, and having a higher average grid position than his new teammate (4th vs 8th), Rast’s race pace hasn’t been great, and the German has also been involved in incidents during the season. He delivered a podium at the first of two rounds at Diriyah, but it’s clear both sides have not been happy with the outcomes and results of the season.
NEOM McLaren FE were quoted in a statement, saying: "Rene has been an integral part of the team’s successes and learnings as its first season as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Rene has taken the difficult decision to pursue other opportunities, and the team fully supports his decision. We can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for the team over the past year.
McLaren officially stated the three-time DTM champion “has taken the difficult decision to pursue other opportunities, and the team fully supports his decision”, also sharing that he was “integral part of the team’s successes and learnings” as the team’s maiden season comes to a close.
Who is to replace him? Officially, McLaren are working “to secure the best possible driver line-up for Season 10”, and insider sources say their biggest interest is with Sam Bird, who recently departed from Jaguar TCS Racing after three seasons at the team. As for René, he is set to continue his DTM career, as well as taking up a seat in the BMW Hypercar program.