Successor to Mercedes in Formula E, McLaren wants to retain its crown

McLaren, a neophyte stable in Formula E ? Far from there. If the name of the British manufacturer is brand new in the electric championship, the structure and the team remain almost unchanged from the heritage Mercedes. The Star brand, double reigning FE champion, has passed the torch to McLaren for the introduction of the Gen3 this season.

With already great experience, McLaren considers itself legitimate to aim for the title in 2023. “There is still a huge amount of work, both for the series as a whole but also for us as a team, to ensure we can realize our full potential, Ian James, the team director, told Reuters. We will therefore not rest on our laurels for the moment. (…) Time will tell if we then put ourselves in a position to win races and ultimately championships. But have no illusions, as McLaren this is truly our aspiration and the goal we will work towards. »

Stability despite several new features

If McLaren wants to continue in the continuity of Mercedes, the British firm has seen its status change with the transition to Gen3: from now on, it is a customer team. The departure of the German manufacturer forced McLaren to sign an agreement with Nissan for the supply of the power unit.

Additionally, two new drivers replace Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne: the three-time German champion of DTM and former Audi driver René Rast, as well as British debutant Jake Hughes, promoted from a previous reserve role at Mercedes. The team is based at the Bicester Heritage center in central England, rather than McLaren's Woking headquarters, although the simulator will go into operation in the south later in the year.

Significant changes which should not disrupt the functioning of the team according to Ian James. “Until now, as Mercedes, we were a manufacturer in our own right whereas now we are a customer team of Nissan, which brings a different dynamic, underlined the British director. What we've tried to do is make sure that with what we're able to postpone and continue, we keep as much stability in the system as possible. »

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