Bethonie WaringMcLaren Racing have the option to join Formula E from Season 9 onwards, the series has announced.
McLaren Applied Technologies have been involved with Formula E since 2018, supplying batteries for the Gen2 car, meaning McLaren were unable to compete as a team.
As Williams Advanced Engineering takes over battery duties from the 2022-23 season onwards, McLaren will be free to look at entering the series.
McLaren Racing and Formula E have signed an agreement granting the race team an option to compete in the 2022-23 season.
“We’ve been closely observing Formula E for some time and monitoring the series’ progress and future direction,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. “The opportunity to take an option on an entry and the completion of the McLaren Applied supplier contract with the FIA at the end of Gen 2 gives us the necessary time to decide if Formula E is right for McLaren as a future competition platform.”
The announcement does not guarantee McLaren will be on the Season 9 grid, but the manufacturer has been keen to expand its racing prowess beyond Formula 1 in recent years. McLaren joined the IndyCar field fulltime in 2020, and is also considering expanding endurance racing.
“We are delighted that McLaren Racing, one of the most iconic names in motorsport, has secured an option to join Formula E,” said Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle. “McLaren has contributed immensely to Formula E’s success as suppliers of our Gen2 battery system.
“We now look forward to working with McLaren Racing to demonstrate the sporting and commercial potential of Formula E and devise ways to elevate the series to a new level as part of their evaluation.”
