McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown was delighted with how the NEOM McLaren Formula E journey as Jake Hughes started the opening race of the season in Mexico City from P3 and finished the race in fifth.
Speaking about the race, Brown said:
What a start to our Formula E journey as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team! The team has been working really hard in the build-up to the season and that has started to pay off here in Mexico. It’s super exciting to be part of this series and now finally get it underway. Jake delivered superbly on his debut, starting the race from an impressive P3, finishing P5. René put in a solid performance, but unfortunately wasn’t able to finish the race. I can’t wait for more to come from this team in 2023 and beyond, this is just the start of the journey. Having the McLaren Racing brand represented in yet another racing series shows that we are serious about what we do racing. Bring on Season 9!”
Jake Hughes commented saying:
“It’s been a good weekend! I finished with a really good result and I’m really impressed with the team and how well we’re working together. It’s been such a short turnaround for us, we haven’t had much time with the car, so to deliver what we have is very impressive. We have things we can improve on, but I’m happy with my performance this weekend and we’ve learned some lessons to take away.
Rene Rast came home in P18 and speaking following the race he said:
“It was a difficult race for me. I struggled overall today. Qualifying didn’t go too well. We had some pace during the race and made up some positions, but it wasn’t enough in the end. I made contact with another car, which broke my suspension. It was not the way we wanted to end the weekend but sometimes that’s how racing goes. I learned a lot that I’m looking to take forward to the next round in Diriyah.
NEOM McLaren Formula E Team Principal Team Principal Ian James said:
“It’s been a long time in the making but, finally, we have been able to celebrate the race debut of the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, here in Mexico City. A phenomenal location to be able to kick off the season, as well as our journey as part of the McLaren Racing family in Formula E and GEN3. Mexico City never disappoints and the fans here seem to embrace electric racing with a passion. As a team, we have kicked off the season with a solid performance. Jake has been outstanding all weekend and showed what he can do with a P3 in Qualifying and P5 in the race. For René, it was less a less straightforward weekend. However, it’s clear the foundation is there, and he will be able to build on that. I am massively proud of the team. A lot of work and effort has been put into getting us ready for the season over the past few months, and that effort has resulted in some solid points. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the season brings! Next up: Saudi, in less than two weeks’ time.”