Bethonie WaringMcLaren Racing will join the Extreme E grid for the championship’s second season in 2022.
The world famous race team will make its off-roading debut in the championship, and its first time competing in an all-electric series.
Championship founder Alejandro Agag called the decision a huge endorsement for the series, which has only held two race weekends to date and already attracted manufacturers such as Lotus, Cupra, and GMC.
“Extreme E’s mission is to use sport to build awareness and accelerate clean technology innovations that benefit the mobility industry and beyond,” he said.
“To have McLaren onboard, which symbolises the highest level of racing and automotive innovation, is a huge endorsement that what we have delivered in just our first two races of Season 1 has already created real impact in motorsport.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zak [Brown] and the powerhouse McLaren Racing team to Extreme E, and it’s safe to say we can’t wait to see how the team performs in its first off-road, electric racing debut.
“Season 2 just got very exciting.”
Despite never competing in an electric racing series, McLaren has plenty of experience in the category. The manufacturer has been involved with Formula E since its inaugural season and was a battery supplier for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 cars. The team is currently evaluating an entry into the single seater series in the near future.
But McLaren was quick to commit to sister series Extreme E, drawn by its unique – yet still changing – format and the ability for the series to aid McLaren’s sustainability agenda.
“From the moment Extreme E was announced, we have been following the progress of the series closely,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.
“Our attention was immediately drawn by the innovative format of this motorsport platform, in particular the ability it gives us to accelerate and boost our own overarching sustainability agenda, which shares the same priorities of decarbonisation, waste reduction, diversity and equality.
“At the same time, it will enable us to reach a new audience with an innovative race format, connect with a new generation of fans through content served across a variety of channels and provide partners with a purpose-led competition platform to align with and share in a positive, powerful narrative.
“From the outset, McLaren has always been at the forefront and never afraid to push new boundaries. This new venture is true to our roots of participating in a variety of categories, innovation and bravery.
“Extreme E is paving new ground in motorsport as a force for good in confronting some of the biggest challenges facing our world today and in the future.”
Brown also reiterated McLaren’s commitment to Formula 1, Indycar, and its eSports teams.
Image courtesy of Extreme E
