McLaren has an option on Formula E

Will we see McLaren in a new single-seater category? In any case, the team has given itself the opportunity to do so by taking an option with the electric championship to give it time to analyze whether this can be integrated into its long-term strategy.

Zak Brown, the CEO of the manufacturer, stated: « We have been closely observing Formula E for some time. We have watched the progress of the category and the direction it has taken for its future. The opportunity to take an entry option, with the end of McLaren Applied’s contract as a supplier with the end of the second generation, will give us time to decide if Formula E fits with McLaren as a future competition platform. »

Indeed, the electric category is not a complete unknown since its development subsidiary supplies the batteries currently used by all competitors. This status as an exclusive supplier prevents it for now from registering as a participant in order to ensure equal treatment among all teams.

As the ninth season of Formula E approaches, a third generation of single-seaters will be introduced. However, this occurs in a context where two major manufacturers, Audi and BMW, have decided to withdraw in order to focus on other categories. This departure is considered by McLaren and will be integrated into their deliberation: « We will conduct a thorough study and will take a wide range of factors into account, including the new generation of cars, the implementation of budget caps, commercial and marketing prospects, as well as the reasons that led these brands to choose not to continue. »

But if McLaren officially declares itself a candidate for Formula E, it does not mean that they will see it through. It could even be a negotiating tactic in relation to another championship, as we know Zak Brown is tempted to compete in endurance racing, under the hypercar or LMDh regulations, given that he has his own team, United Autosport.

These analyses also aim to find an opportunity for its engineers who will no longer be able to be engaged in the F1 program due to the implementation of the budget cap next season.