McLaren signs option to enter Formula E in 2022-23

McLaren Racing has signed an option to enter the FIA Formula E world championship for the Gen3 era that begins in 2022.

As part of its ongoing evaluation of potential new motorsport platforms, McLaren will now spend the rest of 2021 considering an entry before deciding whether to proceed and join Formula E for season nine.

McLaren is currently unable to compete as a team in Formula E while McLaren Applied is the series’ official battery supplier, but with that contract expiring at the end of season eight, the ban will be lifted, opening the door for a potential entry.

With Audi and BMW withdrawing from Formula E at the end of the 2021 season, two vacancies have been freed up for the 2022-23 campaign which will see the introduction of the new Gen3 car, as well as a budget cap.

By signing an option agreement with Formula E, McLaren is assured of an entry on the grid if it decides to proceed.

“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, together with 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.”

Alongside its Formula 1 programme, McLaren entered IndyCar on a full-time basis in 2020 and has also considered entries into the World Endurance Championship and IMSA.

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

“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."