McLaren to acquire Mercedes Formula E team
McLaren Racing will enter the Formula E grid next season after taking over the Mercedes-EQ team.
The British team had signed an option to participate in the 2022/23 season and has confirmed their plans to add Formula E to their racing portfolio.
“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 Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing.
"Formula E, like all our racing series, fulfils all those criteria."
McLaren earlier this year joined the Extreme E series, adding it to their roster of Formula 1 and Indycar entries.
"While run separately to our F1 and IndyCar teams, Formula E complements and builds out our EV racing programme alongside Extreme E," said Brown.
“I firmly believe that Formula E will give McLaren Racing a competitive advantage through greater understanding of EV racing, while providing a point of difference to our fans, partners and people, and continuing to drive us along our sustainability pathway.”
Team Principal Ian James will continue to lead the team, with the acquisition to be completed before the season begins.
James has thanked Mercedes-Benz for their contributions in starting the team.
"The company’s clear objectives and technological expertise accelerated our ambitions, and I would like to thank them for being the most supportive owner by helping us to do what we do best: racing."
"Now, once again, they have been instrumental in securing the right partner to continue our Formula E journey."
The announcement is part of a raft of team changes for the 2022/23 season, with Maserati and Nissan both joining the grid.
Maserati will partner with ROKiT Venturi Racing while Nissan will purchase the e.dams team.
In addition, a new team will be added when ABT Sportsline returns to the sport after a year-long hiatus.
McLaren will confirm the full Formula E program, including drivers and powertrain supplier, later this year.
