Formula 1 giant McLaren Racing will continue its electric expansion in the ABB Formula E World Championship next season – by taking over the title-winning Mercedes-EQ Formula E squad.
The Woking-based squad, one of the most successful in Grand Prix history, will join the single-seater championship for the introduction of the new Gen3 car and rules for the 2022/2023 season. McLaren Racing already runs a team in the all-electric Extreme E championship for electric SUVs, and also has an IndyCar squad.
Notably, McLaren will buy the outfit currently owned by its Formula 1 engine supplier, Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes EQ squad is in its third season in Formula E, and won both the teams’ championship last year, with Nick de Vries claiming the drivers’ crown.
Mercedes had already confirmed it would quit Formula E at the end of the current season, and this deal ensures that the squad will continue for the future. Current team manager Ian James will stay on to run the outfit when McLaren Racing takes over.
McLaren says that further details of its driver line-up and powertrain supplier will follow.
McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown said the team “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. Formula E, like all our racing series, fulfils all those criteria.”
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