McLaren has been granted the option to enter the FIA Formula E World Championship from as early as 2022.
The British marque could hold the key to sustaining Formula E’s future as the category faces losing both Audi and BMW at the end of the year.
McLaren’s option would be within the maximum 12 team limit enforced by the series, meaning they would pursue an agreement to enter as a race team and not a manufacturer.
Should they wish to enter as a manufacturer and commit to the new Gen3 regulations then they would have to register with the FIA by the end of March this year.
“We’ve been closely observing Formula E for some time and monitoring the series’ progress and future direction,” said Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, Zak Brown.
“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, a sister company to McLaren Racing, is currently the supplier and track support team of the spec Gen2 battery.
However, at the conclusion of the 2021/22 season, they will be replaced by Williams Advanced Engineering.
Alejandro Agag, Founder and Chairman of Formula E said: “McLaren Racing securing an option to join the Formula E grid from Gen3 is testament to the ongoing impact of our sport.
“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.”
The upcoming 2020/21 season is set to begin with a double-header in Saudi Arabia on the Riyadh Street Circuit on February 26 and 27.
Like last year, the series will be releasing the look of its calendar in batches with the first five rounds to be confirmed at the end of January.