'Unbelievable' McLaren star delivers striking title admission

McLaren's 20-year-old Formula E star Taylor Barnard has insisted that his "goal" is to become world champion in his debut season. 

Barnard's title belief comes after a staggering start to his full-time rookie year, with three podiums having been claimed across the first four races. 

He finished third and second in last weekend's inaugural Jeddah double-header, whilst he also started on pole for the first time in the second race of the event. 

Following the "unbelievable" start to his debut campaign, Barnard is second in the drivers' championship and in disbelief at what he has already achieved.

"I have no idea," said a stunned Barnard to RacingNews365. "Three podiums in four races, a pole position, 51 points.

"I think that's more than what McLaren had [this time] last year. So, yeah, unbelievable stuff."

Barnard had had to fight for everything in his career, which almost ended in British karting due to financial difficulties in making it onto the European scene. 

His career was saved by FE championship leader Oliver Rowland, who helped Barnard progress up the ladder. In 2020, he finished runner-up to Kimi Antonelli in the European Karting Championship.

However, the past few years in various junior categories have been a financial battle once again for Barnard, who has rarely had a competitive package at his disposal. 

Following his podium in the first race of the Jeddah event, RacingNews365 asked Barnard what it means to finally have a competitive car and be able to show just how good he is. It was a question which stuck in the Briton's mind overnight.

"I'll be honest, when I was leaving the track on Friday, I was thinking of your question, and I was waiting for that the last four or five years of my life," explained Barnard. 

"But it was like when you finally get back up onto where you should be, and when you finally feel confident.

"It just felt so far away, and I was working so hard and not seeing anything. And now finally, I'm in a position where I can show what I can do and to end up with what I've got right now. Yeah, unbelievable."

Title not just a dream, but the 'goal'

What Barnard is achieving as an FE rookie is staggering, with him firmly on track to deliver the most successful season by a rookie in the all-electric championship's history. 

Simply being FE's best-ever new driver is not enough for the McLaren star, he is targeting the biggest prize in the series.

When asked if it's too early to dream of the title in his debut season, Barnard defiantly answered: "No. That's my goal."

Something very noticeable in the media centre, paddock, grandstands and social media is just how much support Barnard already has. 

In just six FE appearances – he replaced Sam Bird in three races last season due to an injury – Barnard has gained a huge following. 

The driver himself cannot understand why he has received so much support, but is incredibly grateful nonetheless.

"Actually quite unbelievable, to be honest," said Barnard, when asked about his thoughts on the amount of support he has received from fans. 

"When I go home, I just feel like a normal person, and then when I arrive to the circuit, I see all of these people cheering for me, and it doesn't quite feel real. 

"Feels like it's not for me, but yeah, super happy to have all of the support, all of the papaya fans. Honestly, I'm lost for words. I don't know what to say."