Ian James with Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird (Image credit: Instagram)

Team Principal Ian James of the departing Formula E team NEOM McLaren has penned an open letter to the fans of the team, marking their departure from the electric motorsport format. Addressing the Papaya Army, James thanked them for their trust and support as the team went on to win two Drivers' World Championships and two Teams' World Championships over 103 races in seven seasons.

McLaren team principal Ian James pens open letter to fans

Ian James began the letter saying that he wrote it with "a huge amount of pride, as well as with more than a hint of sadness," as the team closed the final chapter after seven years of competing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Thanking the fans for their love on social media and at the track, he said, "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." For the partners associated with the team, he wrote, "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." "My heartfelt thanks go 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," he added. Praising the two McLaren drivers, he wrote, "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." He ended the letter saying, "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." Reacting to the open letter on Instagram, Taylor Barnard wrote, "It's been an honour to wear Papaya and represent this team." Sam Bird also dropped a heart emoji and a hands-joined-in-prayer emoji in the comments section. Also Read: Taylor Barnard looks back at rookie season at McLaren: "Every step has been unforgettable"

What's next in Formula E?

Neither Taylor Barnard nor Sam Bird has revealed their future course of action in Formula E Season 12. It will begin on December 6, 2025, with the Sao Paulo E-Prix. It will be the longest season, with 18 races across 12 cities.

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