NEOM McLaren has announced that Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard will compete for the team in the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Barnard, who is currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 season with AIX Racing, was previously a Reserve and Development driver for NEOM McLaren. The driver currently stands in 20th position in the FIA Formula 2 Driver Standings.
The 19-year-old was able to first experience competing in Formula E machinery for the team during the 2024 Monaco E-Prix and Berlin E-Prix. Barnard stepped in last minute for the injured Sam Bird, who broke his hand after an incident in Free Practice 1 at the 2024 Monaco E-Prix.
Finishing those races in 14th, 10th and eighth respectively, Barnard became the youngest points-scorer in Formula E history.
“I am delighted to be racing for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in Season 11,” says 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 a full-time Formula E driver, and I can’t wait to get started.”
2025 Line-up
Alongside Barnard, Bird will continue with the NEOM McLaren team for Season 11.
Bird secured the team’s first and only win in Formula E history at the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix.
The 37-year-old driver has competed in Formula E since Season 1. Making him one of only five drivers to do so.
“I’m very happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 11,” says 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.”
The 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E season will begin on 7 December 2024 in São Paulo.
Featured Image Credit: Formula E