McLaren Racing has signed a selection to compete in the electric Formula E tournament from 2022-23, the Formula One team announced Monday.
The British-based team will spend 2021 assessing feasibility to enter the series for season nine, when a lighter and more powerful Gen3 car will make its debut with faster cost.
BMW, whose team is run by U.S.-based Andretti Motorsport, and Audi have both announced they are leaving the series at the end of this year.
Formula E, a recognized FIA-sponsored global competition, allows a maximum of 12 entries.
McLaren Applied Technologies is the only battery supplier in the series until 2022, and McLaren is barred from competing until that deal expires.
“We have been keeping a close eye on Formula E for some time and monitoring the progress of the series and future direction,” McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said in a statement.
“The opportunity to opt in, along with the termination of the McLaren Applied provider contract … gives us the time necessary to decide whether Formula E is right for McLaren as a future competition platform . “
Formula One is introducing a budget wheel this year and some teams are looking to shed staff by relocating them to other areas.
Series founder Alejandro Agag said in a statement: “The acquisition of the McLaren Racing option to enter the Formula E grid from Gen3 is a testament to the continued impact of our sport.”
The seventh Formula E season in Saudi Arabia is expected to begin with night races on February 26 and 27.