McLaren confirm signing of young star

McLaren has confirmed the signing of 20-year-old Formula 2 driver Taylor Barnard, who will partner Sam Bird in its Formula E team next season. 

Barnard had been McLaren's development and reserve driver last year and has been rewarded with a promotion to a full-time seat, replacing Jake Hughes who departed to join Maserati.

The young Briton who has been competing for AIX Racing in his maiden F2 campaign this year, made his FE debut last season in Monaco and Berlin, where he replaced Bird who was ruled-out through injury.

In the German capital, the F2 race winner became the youngest driver to ever score a point in the all-electric series. He is also the youngest driver to start an FE race. 

Having only moved into single-seater racing in 2020, his full-time switch to FE for the upcoming campaign is a sign of the young driver's rapid career progression.

“I am delighted to be racing for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in Season 11," said Barnard. "In Season 10, I was the team’s Reserve and Development Driver and during that time I learnt a lot, putting my new knowledge into practice in Monaco and Berlin. 

“I am excited to race alongside Sam this season, and I am sure I will learn a lot from him. He is one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, and I hope that together we can score plenty of points and collect some trophies for the team. 

“It’s an amazing opportunity to be able to continue the journey with the team as full-time Formula E driver, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Bird retained

As mentioned, Barnard will partner FE veteran Bird, who has been retained by the Woking-based team for a second season. 

Bird joined McLaren last season after departing Jaguar and immediately settled into the iconic outfit. 

The British driver claimed a stunning victory in São Paulo which marked his first FE win since 2021, and McLaren's first as a team in the series. 

Looking ahead to his second year with the team, Bird is confident more can be achieved. 

“I’m very happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 11," said Bird. 

"This team has become like family to me, and I believe that we can achieve even better things together in the upcoming season. 

"We’ve done some good work in our first season together; now it’s time to build on that and create even better memories in my second year with the team.”

With Barnard and Bird for Season 11, McLaren has opted for a clever blend of youth and experience. 

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is very pleased with the team's lineup for its third campaign in the all-electric championship and is confident of a successful season.

“As we enter our third year competing in Formula E, I am delighted that we will have a strong driver lineup in Sam and Taylor," said Brown. 

"Both have proven themselves to be impressive talents, both in Formula E and other categories. 

"I look forward to leveraging their skills and expertise to help bring the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team to success in Season 11.”