McLaren set for shock motorsport series exit - report

The McLaren name is reportedly set to depart Formula E at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, before Gen4 is introduced at the end of next year. 

According to The Race, McLaren CEO Zak Brown informed team principal, Ian James, that the Woking-based team would not continue after the conclusion of next season. 

The outfit which replaced Mercedes EQ ahead of the Gen3 era is currently searching for new investment, and will have a new-look for when the next era begins next year. 

McLaren's FE team is owned by McLaren Electric Racing, with The Race reporting that James has been searching for new investors since the start of this year.

All currently-registered Gen4 manufacturers are also being spoken to, to ensure that the outfit itself remains on the grid, just not under the papaya name. 

The report falls not long after McLaren announced a brand-new World Endurance Championship Hypercar programme, with a team to be entered in 2027.

Remarkably, RacingNews365 understands that McLaren's sportscar programme will be lead by James Barclay, Jaguar FE's departing team principal. 

It is a period of much change in FE, with the team itself which was once known as HWA in a good position for the future, according to James.

"I think in terms of this team itself, the long-term future is very secure," James told RacingNews365 in Miami. 

"I think, Formula E is going from strength-to-strength as a championship. If you look at the interest we've got from the partners that are coming in at the moment, and also, the future road maps moving from Gen3 to Gen4. 

"There's no secret that is going to take a significant step forwards. The team that we've built up here is in great shape, so I'm looking forward to see what that future brings."