NEOM McLaren Formula E Team have officially announced that after one season with the side, René Rast has left the Woking-based team.
The German rejoined Formula E this season and competed for McLaren in their maiden campaign in the all-electric series, with Rast being responsible for the side’s only rostrum in 2023. Rast claimed third in the third round of the season in Diriyah, all the way back in January.
His departure from McLaren had been rumoured, with it now having been confirmed by the team. It leaves a vacant seat alongside Jake Hughes for season 10, a seat which has been heavily linked to Jaguar departee Sam Bird.
Rast is believed to be focusing on his BMW LMDh commitments next season, alongside a DTM campaign. Season nine was, on the whole, a very disappointing one for the three-time DTM Champion, especially as he started the season so well.
Prior to his home E-Prix in Berlin, Rast sat eighth in the Drivers’ Championship on 40 points. He ended the year in P13, after failing to score a single point in the following 10 races, in what was a miserable point-less streak for the driver.
Given that he’s leaving the sport again just a year after making his comeback, the general expectation is that this might be the last of Rast in Formula E; however, he told Motorsport Week that he hoped it wasn’t the end.
McLaren released a statement on Tuesday morning to confirm Rast’s imminent departure.
“Rene has been an integral part of the team’s successes and learnings as its first season as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team,” read a statement from the team.
“Rene has taken the difficult decision to pursue other opportunities, and the team fully supports his decision. We can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for the team over the past year.
“Having said that, the team has been working in the background to secure the best possible driver line-up for Season 10, and we are excited to announce the full driver line-up for the 2023/24 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in due course.
“Thank you again, Rene – you will be missed.”
