McLaren will exit Formula E at season’s end to focus on World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours ambitions.
The team is pivoting away from the all-electric series after entering in 2022 through its acquisition of the Mercedes team. This strategic shift follows McLaren’s recent announcement about joining WEC in 2027.
“We are immensely proud of what we have achieved in Formula E and the series plays an integral part in the overall motorsport landscape,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO. “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.”
McLaren is now seeking a new owner for its Formula E operation.
British drivers Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird currently sit fourth and 13th in the championship standings after five rounds.
“For now, we are focused on setting this great team up for future success by working towards securing a new owner,” Brown said. “The team has delivered a strong start to the year and we intend to finish the season on a high.”
The exit aligns with McLaren’s strategy to focus on high-profile motorsport categories with historic significance and commercial potential. The company aims to be the only manufacturer competing across motorsport’s Triple Crown: Formula 1, Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans.
McLaren’s F1 team is showing strong form this season. Drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris hold first and second positions in the standings after five races.
In IndyCar, the team is also performing well with Christian Lundgaard and Pato O’Ward ranked third and sixth after three rounds.
WEC racing gives McLaren an opportunity to showcase its engineering capabilities at Le Mans – a crucial connection to marketing its road-going sports cars. This move positions McLaren alongside competitors like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini who already compete in WEC.
Formula E has struggled to build a broad audience despite its status as an FIA world championship. Brown previously criticized the series for failing to grow viewership, noting that while sustainability is Formula E’s core appeal, F1 is increasingly adopting greener technologies. F1 engines will feature 50% electric components from 2026 and will use fully sustainable fuels.
McLaren continues its broader sustainability initiatives, including producing a circularity handbook for the FIA to promote better environmental practices in F1 design and manufacturing.
While McLaren’s departure represents a blow for Formula E, it reflects the company’s strategic realignment toward traditional motorsport platforms with deeper heritage, greater visibility and stronger connection to McLaren’s brand and business goals.
