Dear Papaya Army,  

I write this letter with a huge amount of pride, as well as with more than a hint of sadness, as we close the final chapter after seven years of competing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.  

We have been a part of the papaya family for three of those special seasons, and I want to thank you all for embracing our team as a part of McLaren Racing, from the love you showed us on social media, to the way you showed up at track.  

The team was always blown away by the amount of papaya we saw at circuits across the world, race-in-race-out, right from our very first round as the NEOM McLaren Formula E team. Through the early days, the good days, the bad days, and the great days, we have always felt an overwhelming amount of support from you all. 

They say that ‘racing is a state of mind’, and since its inception, this team has had the privilege of working for organisations, with partners, and racing for fans who fully embrace this philosophy.  

This is certainly true of those at McLaren, whose passion for racing is second to none. This is reflected across the multiple Championships the team has competed in over more than 60 years - it has been an honour to be a part of that. The McLaren Racing name is one of the most prestigious in motorsport, and we are proud to have written our own chapter in that history.   

My heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone who has been involved: those at McLaren who backed us, the fans who supported us, and the partners who allowed us to go racing. We couldn’t have done it without you all - your trust and support have never been taken for granted.  

It is now time to reflect on the journey taken by the team. We can be immensely proud of the team’s achievements over the past seven seasons and hold our heads up high. Over 103 races, across various guises, we chalked up:  

2 Teams’ World Championships   
2 Drivers’ World Championships   
8 wins  
31 podium finishes   
14 Pole positions 

These incredible results wouldn’t have been possible were it not for the talent and hard work of our drivers. Over seven seasons, we have had the privilege of working with some of Formula E’s best drivers, most recently with Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard.  

Sam clinched McLaren’s first-ever fully-electric win at the São Paulo E-Prix in Season 10, pulling off one of Formula E’s all-time great overtakes, before being waved across the line by none other than Emerson Fittipaldi – McLaren's first Formula 1 World Champion.  

While Taylor has been a rookie sensation in Season 11, securing five Formula E records, including the youngest driver to start a race, the youngest points scorer, the youngest driver to lead a lap, the youngest podium finisher and the youngest polesitter.  

Of course, it isn’t only those in the cockpit who play a crucial role. We couldn’t have achieved any of this without world-class talent in each and every role within the team.  

To this end, I am proud not only of the World Championships, podiums, and Pole positions, but in the way that they were achieved; it’s the spirit and culture of this team that has made it stand out. 

Some of us have been together since the day we first launched this team, while others have seamlessly fitted in along the way and flourished within the environment we have cultivated. For many, I am sure that we will cross paths again soon, but whatever the future holds for those here at Bicester, whatever path they choose to follow, I have no doubt that it will be bright. Their potential is limitless.  

Whether you are reading this as a fan, a team member, or a partner, know that you have been an integral part of this journey. I hope that you will join me in celebrating this incredible adventure.  

All the best,  

Ian