Barnard after first Formula E win on his future: "I don't have anything confirmed"

Taylor Barnard claimed the first Formula E victory of his career at the 2026 season finale in London, providing the highlight of an otherwise extremely difficult campaign for DS Penske. It was the team's only podium of the season and also the final Formula E win for DS Automobiles before the manufacturer leaves the championship after 11 seasons. Yet despite achieving the biggest result of his career, Barnard's own future in the series remains uncertain.

Barnard hopes London win can help secure Gen4 future

Asked what he expects from next season, the Briton told e-Formula.news after the race in London: "I don't know yet, I don't have anything confirmed so I hope at least this win can push something across the line."

Barnard did not elaborate on whether no contract has yet been signed for next season or whether an agreement simply remains unconfirmed publicly. What is notable, however, is that he explicitly linked his maiden victory to the hope that it could help move talks over his future forward.

The victory itself does not fundamentally change Barnard's confidence, according to the 22-year-old. "It's been a steady climb from the bottom in terms of knowledge and experience," he said. After two years in Formula E, Barnard believes he now has enough experience to recognise when the moment has come to make the right call.

"This race I think was a perfect example of that," he added. While a victory naturally provides a boost in confidence, Barnard does not expect it to change the process behind his development or his approach to driving the car.

First Formula E win came "at the last possible moment"

From a sporting perspective, the timing of Barnard's breakthrough could hardly have been better. In the final race of the 2025/26 season in London, the Briton finally reached the top step of a Formula E podium. "There was not many more opportunities to make it happen, so to do it at the last possible moment feels even better," Barnard said.

The victory was historic for Barnard personally. At 22 years and 76 days old, he became the youngest race winner in Formula E history, beating the previous record held by Maximilian Günther. The German was 22 years and 200 days old when he claimed his maiden victory in Santiago in 2020.

For DS Penske, Barnard's success was also a late reward after a disappointing campaign. The team had failed to score a podium before the finale and eventually finished ninth in the Teams' Championship. "I think we've had such a difficult year this year and to send it off with a win for all of the team is something very special," Barnard said.

There was even greater symbolism for DS Automobiles. "It's also the last race for DS, so to close their chapter of 11 years with a win is also super special, so it's perfect again for me."

After the race, Barnard dedicated much of the success to the people around him. "I have to thank everybody. Jay, Phil, my entire team," he said. Behind the result were countless hours of work in the simulator and the workshop. "After all this hard work and no results, to end the season or go into the off-season with a win is something they all deserve."

From a sporting perspective, Barnard could hardly have made a stronger case for himself. Whether his maiden victory really helps push his Gen4 future "across the line", however, remains to be seen.