Lucas Blakeley, Wilson Hughes, and Dani Moreno will represent the team in the upcoming F1 sim racing season (McLaren Shadow).

McLaren Racing, the motor racing arm of the British car manufacturer, has announced the Saudi eco-city project Neom as the official principal partner of the McLaren Shadow F1 esports team.

Through the deal, Neom and McLaren Shadow are set to collaborate on developing talent pathways in Saudi Arabia within simulated racing, which will include opportunities to train in the McLaren Shadow Academy.

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As part of the partnership, Neom branding will be visible on the drivers’ sidepods, front wing, halo, and jerseys.

2022 F1 esports’ drivers’ champion Lucas Blakeley, McLaren Shadow Academy graduate Wilson Hughes, and former Mercedes driver Dani Moreno will represent the team in the upcoming F1 sim racing season.

Dani Moreno, driver for McLaren Shadow, said: “The new livery and jerseys look brilliant and it’s cool to have a new partner on the journey with us. There is a lot of excitement and a lot of challenges ahead, but I’m confident in our team. Despite only re-joining the team recently, we’ve already built a good bond. I’m excited to get going.” 

Neil Walker, head of esports and gaming for McLaren, added: "It’s great to re-launch the team with this new look and feel. I can’t think of a better way of doing it than with our new official principal partner Neom and our strong line-up of Lucas, Wilson, and Dani.

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“The team is pleased to welcome Neom to McLaren Shadow, building on their successful partnership with our Neom McLaren Electric Racing teams in Formula E and Extreme E. We look forward to the collaboration to come, with a focus on developing grassroots talent in the sport.

“This is incredibly important to the team and the wider McLaren Racing family. Supporting the talent of tomorrow is a key aim of our talent pathways, of which our own Wilson Hughes is a key example.

“The jersey and livery provide a bold look for the team, combining the iconic papaya with a distinct McLaren Shadow identity. Our intention to win the championship again is clear, all that's left now is to go racing.”

Neom became the title partner of the Neom McLaren Formula E and Extreme E Teams in 2022, bringing the two electric race series together under the Neom McLaren Electric Racing name.