Zak Brown takes full responsibility for McLaren exit

McLaren has ended its involvement in Formula E after the recent season finale in London. 

The decision means that the team’s licence has been returned to Formula E Operations, and that the former Mercedes-EQ division, which McLaren took over in 2023, will not continue under new ownership.

As early as April, McLaren announced that it would leave the electric racing category after three years, which left team principal Ian James with the task of finding a buyer. 

According to McLaren, it was not possible to get a deal in place before the deadline expired, even though there was interest from several parties.

Highlights despite a difficult ending

The farewell was marked at the London E-Prix, where the team rounded off a difficult season.

In an open letter to the fans, McLaren CEO Zak Brown nonetheless highlighted several sporting highlights from the team’s time in the series. 

Among other things, he pointed to Taylor Barnard’s pole position as the youngest ever in Formula E and Sam Bird’s victory in São Paulo in 2024.

Brown also praised the collaboration with partner NEOM, which he expects will continue in other projects. 

He emphasised that the team’s professionalism and values have been in line with McLaren’s brand.

Strategic shift towards endurance racing

The decision to leave Formula E is linked to McLaren’s plan to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2027. 

The company already competes in both Formula 1 and IndyCar (where Danish driver Christian Lundgaard races), and Brown explains that one of the existing programmes had to be ended to make room for the new venture.

– I am responsible for the strategic decision we have made, said Brown, pointing out that WEC, together with F1 and IndyCar, fits better with McLaren’s history and identity.

Earlier this year, McLaren presented its new Hypercar at Le Mans, where it marked the 30th anniversary of its first victory in the race. 

According to Brown, sports car racing is experiencing a golden age with strong grids and technical frameworks that make the series attractive for factory teams.