Zak Brown fires clear sad McLaren Formula E exit message: 'I'm responsible'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has declared that he is "responsible" for the company's exit from Formula E, following the conclusion of its most recent season. 

The Woking-based organisation announced on April 25 that it would be departing the all-electric series after three campaigns in the championship, leaving team principal Ian James with an almighty task. 

McLaren Racing acquired the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team at the end of the Gen2 era, but its departure left James with a matter of months to secure a buyer to keep the team afloat for Season 12.

Unfortunately, despite much interest, time was against James, with a deal having been unsuccessful to keep the squad alive under a new name. As a result, its licence has been returned to Formula E Operations.

McLaren endured a disastrous end to the season in London almost a fortnight ago; however, Brown is eager to remember the highs of the past three years.

In his open letter to McLaren's fans, Brown wrote: "Just prior to Hungary, I was in London for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. 

"The London E-Prix was not only the final round of this season but also the last for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. We entered the all-electric series in 2023 and have enjoyed our three seasons racing there.

"When we acquired the team, it was clearly very good and very professional, and Team Principal Ian James has done a great job. The entire operation has always carried our brand and values extremely well – and there have been some real highlights, which will stay with us. 

"These include Taylor Barnard becoming the youngest-ever pole-sitter in the history of Formula E, and Sam Bird’s first win at the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix. NEOM has been a fantastic partner for McLaren as well, and I’m excited to continue our journey together in other areas."

McLaren's 'DNA'

Crucially, the decision for McLaren to quit FE came as it also announced it would be entering a Hypercar into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2027. 

With outfits already in F1 and IndyCar, one of its programmes, ultimately, had to end. Unfortunately, FE was the victim. 

Brown has outlined he is "responsible" for the company leaving the series, with F1, IndyCar and WEC better suiting the "DNA" of McLaren. 

"Ultimately, I’m responsible for the strategic decision we’ve made," insisted Brown. "And given our history, and the fact we are the only team to have won the Triple Crown, it made sense for McLaren to return to top-level sportscar racing.

"That’s why, at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans - 30 years after our first win there - we unveiled the Hypercar that will compete in the World Endurance Championship from 2027 onwards.

"Sportscar racing is going through a golden period. The grids are amazing, with just about every manufacturer you can name competing.

"The technical regulations and level of competitiveness make WEC a very exciting proposition, so we’re thrilled to be returning to the top class. It makes sense for our racing portfolio to reflect our DNA, which is why F1, WEC and INDYCAR are the right categories for us."