McLaren to make Formula E exit

McLaren has announced that they will be exiting Formula E at the end of the 2024/25 season, which ends in London in late July.

The Formula E team was spawned from the previous works Mercedes EQ entry in 2022 and entered the Gen3 era with majority backing from the NEOM ‘future city’ initiative in Saudi Arabia.

While the team will require rebranding for next season, the NEOM funding is in place until the end of 2026.
But it is understood than an option for the NEOM title partnership to be extended for a further four years is not being taken up – which in turn has led McLaren to switch focus to its Le Mans hypercar programme.

Its powertrains have been provided by Nissan and this agreement is also in place for whatever the entry will run as next season.

McLaren finished eighth in its first season in 2023 and then improved to seventh last year, taking a win at the Sao Paulo E-Prix with Sam Bird.

They currently sit 5th in 2024-25 points standings, with full-season rookie Taylor Barnard in 4th in the drivers’ championship with two pole positions and three podium finishes from 7 races.

We have been on an incredible journey so far as a team and are rightly proud of our achievements. Since the start of season nine [2023] of the Formula E world championship, we have been extremely fortunate to have been an integral part of the McLaren Racing family. Although our McLaren Racing chapter comes to an end, we recognise the value and power of Formula E as a world championship and platform for positive change as the sport goes from strength to strength.Work is well under way to explore the best opportunities for the team to continue competing beyond season 11 [2024-25].
James on the news.

In response to recent reports, Formula E can confirm that, following changes to its sponsorship portfolio, McLaren has informed us of its intention to withdraw its brand from the customer team it currently operates in the Formula E world championship. While this may take effect at the end of the current season, there remains the possibility that the partnership could continue through the end of Gen3 in 2026. We recognise that the commercial landscape in motorsport is dynamic and often subject to change. Despite this development, the team, under the leadership of Ian James, is already engaged in positive discussions with potential partners and investors. We are confident the team will remain a strong presence in the championship, operating under a new identity if required.
A spokesperson for Formula E.