McLaren’s Formula E operation is taking more and more shape. After announcing Nissan’s powertrain support for the debut season, the British firm finalized a major sponsorship deal that will sustain its participation in the electric single-seater series.
The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund will be the team’s main commercial partner, a move that reinforces its “Neom” project, which consists of the development of a smart city, within the framework of its Vision 2030 program.
Arab participation in the McLaren project will be total, to the point of becoming part of the team name to Neom McLaren Formula E Team. The agreement also includes operating under the combined banner of the new Neom McLaren Electric Racing department, and this new link covers other aspects, as students and recent graduates involved in the program will be able to undertake a one-year internship with the Woking team.
Saudi Arabian Influence
Through the Neom project, Saudi Arabia is seeking leadership in new technologies attached to sustainability and mobility. In addition, the country has become one of the benchmark territories for Formula E in recent years by organizing the novel night race with which the series has debuted in the last two seasons.
In other novel competitions such as Extreme E, the Arabs will also lead the way with McLaren and fund the entire entry under the name Neon McLaren Extreme E.
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McLaren CEO Zak Brown did not hide his happiness at having the backing of the Saudi Arabian fund, which he described as a “great way to start their journey in Formula E and unify efforts in electric racing championships.
“With Neom’s support, we have the option to introduce the new Neom McLaren Electric Racing department and work with them to nurture talent and drive innovation from our sporting projects,” he added.
For his part, Neom Project CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr stressed that the partnership with McLaren Racing complements the commitment to drive sustainable solutions and address some existing and really pressing societal challenges.
“Neom is an economic engine for Saudi Arabia and will be a destination for great innovative companies like McLaren Racing when it comes to doing technological research. I am sure this partnership will allow us to move forward in all aspects,” he maintained.
