Sam Bird reveals 'painful and sad' Formula E exit estimation

Formula E veteran Sam Bird has revealed that he has just a "5%" chance of remaining on the grid next season, with him anticipating a "painful and sad" departure from the series. 

McLaren's exit from the championship at the end of the season and the outfit failing to secure a new investor has resulted in the team collapsing after this weekend's London E-Prix. 

As a result, the employees, including both Taylor Barnard and Bird, have been forced to search for new jobs. 

According to The Race, Barnard was quickly poached by the Penske organisation, whilst Bird remains without a seat for next season.

He is one of FE's remaining 'original' drivers, having been on the grid since the first-ever race in Beijing, back in 2014. 

Bird has won in eight of the 11 seasons he has entered, but admits his chances of securing a remaining spot elsewhere is almost zero.

"In terms of a percentage [of being on next season's grid], 100% being I've signed with somebody, 5%," revealed Bird during a RacingNews365 interview. "I'm 95% sure that maybe I won't be here, and I understand that. 

"I've driven with a never give up attitude all my career. So I'll go into this with a never give up attitude as well."

'I fell in love with it' - Bird

Bird has been an integral part of what FE is today, and has been one of its biggest ambassadors. For several seasons, the Briton was a regular title contender, securing 12 wins. 

He has "grown" with the championship and experienced both the highs and the lows on several occasions, with him not ready just yet to say goodbye.

"Yeah, it would be incredibly painful and sad, especially the way that it's ending, it would be extremely sad," admitted Bird. "It has meant everything to me this series. 

"It gave me an opportunity, it gave me a career when I needed it. I've grown with it. I fell in love with it. I've loved it from the beginning, from Beijing 2014 to then winning the championship's second-ever race. 

"Winning in eight [seasons] so far, eight out of 11 years. It's been an incredible rollercoaster. Many highs, many lows, but a lot of highs, some great memories, some great friendships. And I'll always look back on many, many races here with a lot of fondness."