McLaren have announced that they will join the Extreme E championship from 2022, joining major motorsport names such as Andretti and Chip Ganassi as well as Lewis Hamilton's and Nico Rosberg's existing teams in the all-electric off-road series. The championship, which aims to use racing to promote sustainability and diversity, is currently in its inaugural season which has become popular with fans after just two events. “From the moment Extreme E was announced we have been following the progress of the series closely," McLaren CEO Zak Brown told the press. "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. “From the outset, McLaren has always been at the forefront and never afraid to push new boundaries. This new venture is true to our roots of participating in a variety of categories, innovation and bravery. “While Formula 1 will always remain at the centre of our world, like IndyCar and eSports, our entry into Extreme E is additive to the McLaren Racing franchise and will complement and help support all our programmes. "The competition objective is clear: we are there to win.” McLaren are no stranger to electric racing, having supplied the battery powertrains to Formula E teams since 2014. The Extreme E team will be operated by McLaren Racing using existing personnel from outside the Formula 1 programme and additional specialist resource. "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," said Formula E and Extreme E founder Alejandro Agag. “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."
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