LONDON, May 14 (BNA): McLaren announced today, Saturday, that McLaren will take over the title-winning Mercedes Formula E team, and enter the fully electric car world championship when it begins a new era of the third generation in its ninth season next year.
Reuters reports that Mercedes won both championships in the city-based series last year but has already announced its departure to focus on Formula 1.
McLaren signed an option in January last year and was evaluating whether to add Formula E to a portfolio that includes Formula One, Indy Car and the Extreme E electric off-road and esports championship.
Season 9 marks the beginning of a new era for Formula E with third-generation cars rated as the world’s most efficient and capable of reaching speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph).
“Formula E is at the forefront of racing but will be strategically, commercially and technically adding to McLaren racing as a whole,” said Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.
“We are also pleased to provide a home for the class-leading Formula E team built by Mercedes, which will become a full part of the McLaren Racing family.”
Brown said the team will be run separately for the Formula One and IndyCar teams.
Mercedes principal Ian James will continue in his role at the team founded in 2019, and McLaren’s deal with Mercedes is expected to be completed later this year.
“I firmly believe that Formula E will give McLaren Racing a competitive advantage through a greater understanding of electric racing, while providing a point of difference to our fans, partners and people,” Brown said.
McLaren Racing is part of the McLaren Group, which includes the supercar manufacturer and is majority owned by Bahraini sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat.
Nissan, Jaguar, Porsche, Mahindra, DS owned by Stellantis, Maserati and China’s Neo are the manufacturers signed so far in 2023, when a $13 million cost cap will be set for the 12 teams.
“I wanted McLaren to be a part of … the championship since the first season and I’m glad we finally did,” said Formula E founder Alejandro Agag.
“But it’s so much more than just deciding to race. Being part of Formula E signals a strategic investment in the future of electric vehicle development.”
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