Did McLaren Make the Right Choice?
After the London E-Prix, McLaren officially closed its chapter in Formula E. CEO Zak Brown admitted that he should take responsibility for the team’s decision to step away from the all-electric series. The choice marks the end of a three-year journey in Formula E, one that began when McLaren entered the championship in 2023 by acquiring the successful Mercedes-EQ team. While the move brought high expectations, McLaren’s departure leaves team principal Ian James with only a few months to try to find a buyer to keep the outfit alive. Despite strong interest from several parties, the tight timeline meant no deal could be completed in time, and the team will not continue under a new name.
The final weekend in London was far from a fairy tale ending. Just two weeks before the curtain closed, McLaren endured a difficult and disappointing season finale, with results that reflected the challenges they faced throughout the year. Brown, reflecting on the journey, recalled attending the London race right before heading to the Hungarian Grand Prix. He described the moment as bittersweet, recalling the joy and pride they felt upon entering Formula E in 2023. From the start, the team carried McLaren’s values with professionalism, competitiveness, and flashes of brilliance on track.
Over the three seasons, McLaren’s Formula E story had several memorable highlights. Zak Brown praised the entire team, including Ian James, for their dedication and achievements. Young driver Taylor Barnard made history as the youngest polesitter in Formula E, while Sam Bird gave the team its first win in São Paulo in 2024. Their partnership with NEOM also stood out as a strong and innovative collaboration, one that McLaren intends to continue in other areas. These moments showed what the team was capable of, even if consistent results were sometimes out of reach.
The primary reason behind McLaren’s exit from Formula E is its growing commitments elsewhere. The team is preparing to join the FIA World Endurance Championship, WEC, from 2027, a major new program that will require significant focus and resources. With McLaren already competing in Formula 1 and IndyCar, and making progress in both, something had to give up. Unfortunately for Formula E, it was the project sacrificed to make room for WEC. Brown emphasized that as the only team in history to win championships in three different top-level series, McLaren’s DNA has always been about racing at the highest level.
The WEC program is not just an expansion, but also a return to McLaren’s endurance racing heritage. The team announced its 2027 Hypercar entry during this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, exactly 30 years after McLaren’s famous debut win in the race. Endurance racing is enjoying a golden era, with grids full of top manufacturers and exciting technical regulations. Brown believes WEC’s competitive balance and prestige make it the perfect next step for McLaren. Alongside Formula 1 and IndyCar, he sees WEC as a core part of the team’s future, combining tradition with the ambition to win on the biggest stages. McLaren’s exit from Formula E is a tough decision, but it reflects a clear long-term vision. The team leaves behind good memories, historic moments, and strong partnerships from its time in the series. Now, the focus shifts to excelling in Formula 1, strengthening its IndyCar presence, and preparing for a big return to endurance racing. For McLaren, the challenge ahead is just as great, and just as exciting, as the one they are leaving behind.
