McLaren officially confirm motorsport world championship exit

McLaren has officially announced its departure from Formula E at the conclusion of the current season, which concludes in London this July.

It was reported on Thursday that the Woking-based team had opted to quit the all-electric series, with it having now been confirmed.

The decision comes following a strategic review of its motorsport portfolio, with the McLaren brand to depart at the end of this year. However, FE has revealed that the possibility remains for it to continue until the end of next season. 

McLaren's announcement falls just a couple of weeks after it revealed that it would be entering the World Endurance Championship Hypercar class from 2027, alongside its F1 and IndyCar programmes.

It entered FE at the start of 2023 after replacing Mercedes EQ, with the team itself to continue but under new ownership. 

"We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in Formula E and the series plays an integral part in the overall motorsport landscape, but 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," said McLaren CEO, Zak Brown. 

"For now, we are focused on setting this great team up for future success by working towards securing a new owner. The team has delivered a strong start to the year and we intend to finish the season on a high.

"I’d like to thank the team, Formula E, our partners, and our fans for their continued support."

McLaren is currently in its third FE season and has found itself in the fight for both championships, following an impressive start to the season by rookie Taylor Barnard. 

The young Briton has claimed three podiums from the first five races, putting him joint-third in the drivers' title; McLaren boast the same position in the teams' championship. 

As mentioned, the team itself will continue after McLaren's exit, with team principal Ian James searching for a new partner for the outfit.

"We have been on an incredible journey so far as a team and are rightly proud of our achievements. Since the start of Season 9 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, we have been extremely fortunate to have been an integral part of the McLaren Racing family," said James. 

"My heartfelt thanks goes out to the company, our partners and all of our fans, for their trust and support throughout, which will continue as we fight to the end of this year’s Championship. This team is second-to-none in terms of the talent within – talent which has delivered huge success in the past and will continue to do so in the future. 

"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 underway to explore the best opportunities for the team to continue competing beyond Season 11. In the meantime, we will be giving our all to make sure that we finish the current chapter of our Formula E adventure in style."

For FE, McLaren's exit represents the loss of a major brand; however, it has a track record of bouncing back after unfortunate exits. 

The championship itself is booming, with James having already held several positive talks with possible partners and investors.

A Formula E spokesperson said: "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 ABB FIA 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.

"Since entering the series in 2019, the team has earned multiple Teams’ and Drivers’ World Championships, and stands as a proven platform for brands seeking to compete at the highest level of electric motorsport.

"Formula E continues to grow at pace, with our global fan base increasing by 23% last season to nearly 400 million, and TV viewership rising by 35% to almost 500 million. We remain one of the most innovative and compelling motorsport platforms in the world.