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Hughes completes McLaren’s 2022-23 line-up

Jake Hughes completes the line-up for the 2022-23 Formula E season.

Hughes is the last driver to be announced for FE’s Season 9 and joins Rene Rast at McLaren Racing.

The Formula 3 race winner has spent the past two seasons running as test and reserve driver for Mercedes EQ and customer team Venturi, and has completed test drivers for NIO 333.

Hughes started 2022 with the aim of completing his first full season in the F2 championship, where he took a best finish of P4 in the second round, but dropped out midway through the year to prioritise his FE commitments.

The decision appears to have paid off, as he joins McLaren for the squad’s first year in the series.

“Today’s announcement feels like a long time coming,” said team boss Ian James. “Since May this year, when we first announced McLaren Racing’s entry into Formula E, we have been working tirelessly to get in place the best possible team and structure for sustainable success.

“On the one hand, we have been working on the retention of the amazing talent that was in place before going into the transitional phase. I’m proud to say I think we’ve done a great job on that front.

“On the other hand, we have been focusing on putting in place new processes and new talent – and the latter includes the drivers.

“I’m excited to work together with Rene and Jake this upcoming season. They are both incredibly talented people and I think they will both bring something different to the mix. Rene has shown his race craft over and over again in every series he has competed in to date. He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent and has valuable previous experience in Formula E, which will be great help both to the team and himself.

“Jake is an exciting talent, who we have worked with before as our Reserve and Development driver. Over the years, the team and Jake have built a relationship and that, combined with his sheer talent, will be what can give us an edge going into this season. We’ve given Jake a chance to prove himself on the big stage in Season 9 and his story is a perfect example of the talent development that we believe in as a team.”

Hughes is the final driver to be confirmed for the 2022-23 season, which is set to feature 22 drivers. He is one of only two drivers who will be making their FE debuts this year, this second behind Sacha Fenestraz.

“First and foremost, I’m very proud and feel very privileged to become part of the McLaren Racing family, being given the chance to represent such a prestigious brand,” said Hughes. Growing up, McLaren was one of the teams that inspired me to start racing. To now go full circle, representing the team myself in Formula E feels incredible. I’ve obviously been with the Formula E team in a different guise before and we have already achieved great results. It’s good to have that relationship and I know what’s expected of me.

“Coming in at a time where a new generation car is introduced in the series excites me. It feels like a good opportunity and chance, especially being a rookie in Season 9. It’s set to be a great year and I can’t wait to kick off the journey ahead!”

Image courtesy of McLaren Racing

 

Bethonie Waring

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