Formula E: McLaren announces their first driver

McLaren Racing has signed a deal with René Rast to race in the FIA Formula E World Championship from the 2022/23 season. The announcement confirms René as the first of two names to form the NEOM McLaren Formula E driver line up, as the team embarks on its debut season in the all-electric racing series.

René, from Minden, Germany, has an impressive resume including being the 2017, 2019 and 2020 DTM champion. He has also claimed overall wins at the 2012 and 2014 24 Hours of Spa, 2014 24 Hours of Nürburgring and class wins at the 2012 and 2016 24 Hours of Daytona.

Additionally, René has previous experience in Formula E, competing in a number of rounds between 2016 to 2021, in which he scored two podiums, with a highest place finish of second.

As previously announced, Ian James will continue to lead the Formula E team, enabling a smooth transition to McLaren Racing over the coming months.

The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will be in action later this year for the first time as official testing begins ahead of the first round, the Mexico City ePrix, on 14 January 2023.

René Rast, said:

“I am delighted to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. As a racing fan, McLaren has always had huge appeal. It’s an iconic name in motorsport with a rich history, so I feel privileged and proud to be able represent McLaren in Formula E next season. I’ve done a season in Formula E before, it was a great experience, and I felt after that year I wasn’t done yet. I’m excited that I am now getting the opportunity to continue that journey. I’m extremely motivated and have no doubt we will create something great together. I can’t wait to get started!”

Ian James, Managing Director, McLaren Electric Racing (effective 1st Sept 2022)

“While we approach the start of a new chapter for the team, I am delighted to be able to add René to our driver line up for next season. René has shown his race craft over and over again in every series he has competed in to date. He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent, and has valuable previous experience in Formula E, which will be of great help both to the team and himself. Season 9 promises to be an exciting challenge for the team and I’m happy to have one of our cars in the trusted hands of René.”

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

“René has impressed over the years in the series he has competed in. He is a true racer and has proven to be quick in any car he’s driven. His previous experience in Formula E will be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing. I’m delighted to welcome René to the McLaren Racing family.”