Sam Bird issues clear Formula E career message: 'I'm not ready to retire'

Sam Bird has issued a clear message that he is "not ready to retire" from Formula E, having suddenly found himself involved in 'silly season'. 

The FE veteran finds himself searching for a new team after McLaren team principal Ian James failed to secure a new investor to save the Bicester-based outfit. 

It has resulted in the entire squad entering the job market, including Bird. According to The Race, McLaren sensation Taylor Barnard has already been snapped up by the Penske organisation.

McLaren's employees were informed of the saddening news last week, with a clear target being set for its final four races on the grid, starting with this weekend's Berlin E-Prix.

"So, we got the news last week," Bird told RacingNews365. "Yeah, very disappointing. 

"But, we've got four races left in the year to try and do something really special and finish in the top three in both the teams' and the drivers' [titles] with Taylor, and that's the goal."

With the FE season concluding in just over a fortnight, it has left Bird in the most precarious position of his career in the all-electric series.

He is eager for the current campaign to not be his last, but is aware it could become a real possibility.

"I hope not. I really hope not," noted Bird. "But as I said, right now the focus is on these four races."

Bird eager to continue

Following the confirmation that the McLaren team would not be saved, Bird has activated his search for a seat on next season's grid. 

However, given the timing of his search commencing, the 38-year-old is wary several seats have already been filled.

"Look, the news hit everybody later on in the week, last week, and of course, I'm having to try and pick up the phone now," the veteran added.

"It's very late in the day to try and make something happen, as I think other people have made calls a lot earlier, and the driver merry-go-round happened a long time ago."

Whilst Bird is aware the odds are against him, the 12-time FE race winner is certain he is not ready to retire from the championship.

When asked if his experience could give him an edge in the driver market, Bird replied: Yeah, I hope so. Look, I'm not ready to retire yet.

"I want to retire when I'm good and ready to retire, and that's certainly not me yet. So it is stressful to think that this could be the last four races, but I'll do my best and see what happens."