McLaren to join Extreme E in 2022 | GRR
McLaren racing will race a car in Extreme E in 2022. The entry comes as McLaren has followed Extreme E’s progress since its inception, and by participating in the series it can both explore new technology and promote sustainability and diversity.
The one-make all-electric off-road racing series kicked off in 2021, with teams owned or operated by Cupra, Andretti Autosport and United Autosports, Carlos Sainz Sr., Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Chip Ganassi and more. The McLaren team will be operated by McLaren Racing, “using both existing personnel from outside the Formula 1 programme and additional specialist resource”.
“From the moment Extreme E was announced we have been following the progress of the series closely,” said Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO. “Our attention was immediately drawn by the innovative format of this motorsport platform, in particular the ability it gives us to accelerate and boost our own overarching sustainability agenda, which shares the same priorities of decarbonisation, waste reduction, diversity and equality.
“At the same time, it will enable us to reach a new audience with an innovative race format, connect with a new generation of fans through content served across a variety of channels and provide partners with a purpose-led competition platform to align with and share in a positive, powerful narrative.
“We will be competing against big names we’re very familiar with from F1 and IndyCar but, like all series we compete in, the competition objective is clear: we are there to win.”
Extreme E’s CEO Alejandro Agag said: “To have McLaren on board, which symbolises the highest level of racing and automotive innovation, is a huge endorsement that what we have delivered in just our first two races of Season 1 has already created real impact in motorsport.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zak and the powerhouse McLaren Racing team to Extreme E, and it’s safe to say, we can’t wait to see how the team performs in its first off-road, electric racing debut. Season 2 just got very exciting!”