McLaren signs option to join Formula E in 2022

McLaren has signed a deal with Formula E that allows the team to join the electric racing series in 2022.

The agreement gives McLaren Racing the option of joining ahead of the ninth season and introduction of the new Gen3 car as one of the 12 maximum entries allowed.

McLaren said that it had been looking at a potential entry for some time and the deal now allowed the team to decide whether a full-time entry to the series would make sense ahead of the 2022/23 season.

“We’ve been closely observing Formula E for some time and monitoring the series’ progress and future direction,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown said

“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 Gen2, gives us the necessary time to decide if Formula E is right for McLaren as a future competition platform.”

McLaren Applied Technology is already the sole supplier of the battery tech used in Formula E, with that deal set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Following the conclusion of the deal, McLaren says it will re-evaluate its position in the series with the view to a full-time entry instead.

“McLaren Racing securing an option to join the Formula E grid from Gen3 is testament to the ongoing impact of our sport,” said Formula E chairman, Alejandro Agag.

“With some of the most famous names in motorsport already competing in Formula E, we are thrilled that McLaren Racing has decided to examine a potential entry to Formula E.”