McLaren Racing will officially join Formula E in season nine for the 2022/2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The decision to enter Formula E follows McLaren Racing signing an option in January 2021 to take part in season nine of the championship, as well as a period of evaluation. The team also entered the Extreme E all-electric off-road series. The move into Formula E not only reflects McLaren’s commitment to EV-motorsport but also its aim to speed up its sustainability journey and reach a new, more diverse global audience.
Mercedes takeover
This move also marks yet another expansion in the British carmaker’s racing division, which currently includes Formula 1, IndyCar, and Extreme E. Instead of creating its own team, McLaren will take over the Mercedes EQ Formula E Team. This means having the reigning Formula E World Champions team on its roster. It also means their debut into EV-motorsport will also coincide brilliantly with Formula E’s introduction of its Gen3 racer, which the organisation has dubbed its “fastest, most efficient, and sustainable race car yet.”
Team Principal at Mercedes, Ian James who will ensure the change and transition goes well for the team, is ready to take on this new chapter with McLaren: “Today’s announcement confirms the next exciting chapter in the team’s development.”
“McLaren Racing always seeks to compete against the best and on the leading edge of technology, providing our fans, partners and people with new ways to be excited, entertained and inspired,” said McLaren CEO Zak Brown. “Formula E, like all our racing series, fulfils all those criteria.”
Accelerating our sustainability journey. We’re ready for the challenge ahead! 👊⚡ pic.twitter.com/HeZgvGBdjh
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 14, 2022
McLaren Racing says it will announce more of its Formula E details soon. Such as its powertrain provider and diver line-up, something everyone is very excited to hear about. The rumour mill is already spinning, but we like to have our facts straight.
Source: ABB Formula E