McLaren names Emma Gilmour as Extreme E driver for 2022

McLaren Racing has confirmed Emma Gilmour as its first-ever female driver ahead of the brand’s debut season in Extreme E next year.

The announcement follows confirmation of McLaren’s highly anticipated participation in the fully electric motorsport, as well as the unveiling of the manufacturer’s livery for the 2022 campaign.

Gilmour’s announcement also come after a media engagement during the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

New Zealand-based Gilmour is well known for her rallying, rallycross, cross-country rallying pedigree, having most recently competed in the inaugural season of Extreme E. In 2016 she became the first and only female to date to win a New Zealand Rally Championship event and also won the FIA Women in Motorsport and Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) crosscountry rally selection in 2015.

Gilmour completes McLaren Extreme E’s driver line-up for 2022 alongside US driver Tanner Foust.

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.”

Emma Gilmour, McLaren Extreme E driver, 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. I can’t wait to get started with the team.”

Alejandro Agag, CEO of Extreme E, also commented: “I am delighted to celebrate the next step in this very exciting new journey for McLaren Racing as they welcome the highly talented Emma Gilmour to their Extreme E driver line-up, and reveal a unique livery designed around important sustainability messages.”