John N
McLaren Racing has confirmed they will acquire the Mercedes EQ Formula E team and rebrand as their entry to the series next year. Mercedes announced last year that they would leave Formula E at the end of 2022, before the introduction of the new ‘Gen3’ car for the electric championship’s ninth season.
When the third-generation car was introduced, McLaren Racing had previously expressed an interest in joining the series. They confirmed today they would do so by purchasing Mercedes EQ, the current Formula E team’s champions.
The McLaren Group had previously been involved with the series through their McLaren Applied division, having supplied the original ECUs for the championship and being the exclusive battery supplier until the end. McLaren Group sold McLaren Applied in 2021.
Upon completing their takeover of Mercedes EQ, McLaren says that current team principal Ian James will remain in his role to enable a “smooth transition” into its new identity as McLaren.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said acquiring Mercedes EQ will provide their broader racing programs a “competitive advantage” by expanding their knowledge of electric vehicle technology.
“McLaren Racing always seeks to compete against the best and on the leading edge of technology, providing our fans, partners, and people with new ways to be excited, entertained, and inspired,” said Brown. “Formula E, like all our racing series, fulfills all those criteria.
“It is also satisfying to provide a home for the class-leading Formula E team that Mercedes has built, which will become a fully-fledged part of the McLaren Racing family. While run separately to our F1 and IndyCar teams, Formula E complements and builds out our EV racing program alongside Extreme E.”
The latest expansion of McLaren’s racing activities means they will be present in Formula 1, IndyCar, Extreme E, and Formula E from 2022.
Mercedes EQ team principal Ian James said it would be a “privilege” for his team to join McLaren.
McLaren has always been synonymous with success and high performance. This is a great moment for all parties involved and the people who make up this team. I am excited to continue working with them.
“I’m very much looking forward to this next chapter for the team and will be a proud member of it in 2023. Until then, we will be focused on delivering the best results possible as the Mercedes EQ Formula E Team for the remainder of the current season.”
Mercedes EQ currently leads the Formula E teams championship with 120 points. Driver Stoffel Vandoorne is also on top of the drivers’ standings, having won Monaco’s most recent round of the series.
