McLaren is going racing in Extreme E next year, and now they’ve finally made their entry official by revealing both their vehicle and second driver for the all-electric off-road series.
Looking more like a pre-production camouflage wrap than an official launch livery, their wild paint job for the Odyssey 21 SUV features intricate designs depicting the series’ race locations in McLaren‘s signature color of Papaya Orange over a black base.
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But as mentioned before, in addition to revealing their SUV, the team also announced their second driver, and at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference no less. Piloting their SUV alongside Tanner Foust will be Emma Gilmour, who in addition to vast experience (and success) in rallying has also served as a reserve driver for Veloce Racing in this year’s inaugural Extreme E season. Other items on Gilmour’s list of accolades include becoming the first woman to win a New Zealand Rally Championship event, as well as winning the FIA Women in Motorsport and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) cross-country rally selection.
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Regarding the big announcements, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing said: “We’re proud to join His Royal Highness to announce Emma Gilmour as the first-ever female driver for McLaren Racing. Emma completes our exciting and competitive driver line-up alongside Tanner Foust for our first season of Extreme E. She’s a race winner and has proven herself this year in Extreme E alongside a vast background in competitive off-roading in multiple racing series across the globe. It’s fitting that our first female driver originates from New Zealand where our founder Bruce McLaren was from.
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Building off of that, Gilmour added: “I’m incredibly honoured to be McLaren Racing’s first female driver. Growing up in New Zealand, Bruce McLaren and McLaren Racing are seen as the pinnacles of motorsport. To be competing in Extreme E next year with McLaren is a special opportunity. The series is a fantastic platform that represents equality and addresses the key issues affecting our planet and society. I’m looking to draw on my previous experience in Extreme E alongside all my skills across rally, rallycross and cross-country rallying, that make me well-suited to the sport, to make a positive impact and inspire the next generation of female drivers and engineers. I can’t wait to get started with the team.”