McLaren boss praises young 'talent' after brave risk

McLaren Formula E team principal Ian James has praised new signing Taylor Barnard, who he describes as a "talent" on and off the circuit. 

The Woking-based team confirmed Barnard as Sam Bird's team-mate for the upcoming FE campaign on Tuesday, with the young Briton replacing Maserati's new signing Jake Hughes. 

Barnard made his FE debut at 19 years old last season in Monaco and Berlin, where he replaced Bird who was ruled-out through injury. 

In doing so, the 20-year-old became the youngest driver to start an FE race and score a point, the latter he achieved in Berlin. 

Despite only being in his rookie Formula 2 campaign, the talented Briton has been rewarded for his impressive work as the team's reserve and development driver, with a full-time seat. 

Fielding such a young and relatively inexperienced driver is a brave risk by McLaren, although if it's F1 team is anything to go by, giving young stars a chance tends to work very well in its favour.

“I am delighted with our lineup of Taylor and Sam for Season 11, our third in Formula E as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team," said James. 

“Throughout his time with the team last season in his role of Reserve and Development Driver, Taylor has shown dedication, professionalism and talent both on the track and off it. 

"He relished a rare opportunity to demonstrate his ability at very short notice in Monaco and impressed the entire paddock. His grasp of Formula E was further underscored by strong, points-scoring races in Berlin."

Bird 'integral'

As mentioned, Barnard will partner Bird in an excellent balance of youth and experience. Having been in FE since its inauguration, Bird is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. 

He was back to his best in his first campaign with McLaren last season, following his move from Jaguar.

Bird was responsible for one of the moments of the season, with the Briton having pulled off a remarkable penultimate corner overtake on Mitch Evans for a shock São Paulo victory. 

It marked his first win since July 2021 in New York and McLaren's first in the all-electric series. 

As identified by James, Bird instantly became a key part of the British team and is confident that the veteran alongside Barnard will deliver positive results. 

“Joining NEOM McLaren at the start of Season 10, Sam immediately became an integral part of the team," added James.

"He secured McLaren’s first win in electric racing in historic fashion in São Paulo and demonstrated constant hunger for success. 

"Going into his second season with us, I have no doubt that he and Taylor will bring the team the results we are aiming for.”