By Amber Reid, Pitlane News Junior Squad Journalist
It’s official — the iconic McLaren name has disappeared from the Formula E grid. But before you start lighting candles and mourning another motorsport chapter closed, let me be clear: McLaren hasn’t left the party, they’ve just ducked behind the curtain.
The team formerly known as the NEOM McLaren Formula E squad will now race under the simplified banner of NEOM Formula E Team. The name change has sparked whispers of a full McLaren exit, but that’s not quite the truth. The real story is a little more strategic — and a lot more McLaren.
Branding Out, Ownership In
While the orange papaya logos may be gone, the team is still very much owned by McLaren Electric Racing. They’re just not fronting the branding anymore. It’s like McLaren’s still DJ’ing the party — they’ve just handed NEOM the aux cable.
NEOM, the Saudi-backed megaproject with dreams bigger than the Monaco paddock, is now fully taking over the team’s identity. From livery to socials, expect everything to go full futuristic – sharp fonts, glowing logos, and clean desert-tech vibes.
So Why the Switch?
Sources suggest the move is part of McLaren’s wider motorsport strategy shift, which focuses on three key areas:
- Prioritising Formula 1 – Zak Brown’s empire is leaning hard into the F1 resurgence, and it’s working.
- Launching a Hypercar Programme – Yep, Woking’s eyeing endurance racing. McLaren’s been quietly prepping for a return to Le Mans — and maybe even the World Endurance Championship with a hypercar effort.
- Streamlining Racing Assets – With IndyCar, F1, esports, and now this, McLaren’s trying to balance ambition with focus. Formula E’s a long game, and for now, they’ve opted to stay involved — just from behind the curtain.
What This Means
From a fan’s point of view? If you’re a McLaren purist, it might sting. The liveries won’t shout orange anymore, and the driver overalls won’t carry that iconic winged logo. But under the surface, the DNA of the team — engineers, leadership, ownership — remains largely untouched.
And if you’re NEOM? This is a win. They’re now front and centre of a factory-level Formula E squad, with full marketing control and a team that’s already proven it can race with the best.
My Take
This isn’t a goodbye. It’s a branding pit stop. McLaren’s just decided to go stealth mode in electric racing while revving up for something bigger in endurance.
Keep an eye on Woking — they’re not done surprising us.
