Official: McLaren signs young talent Taylor Barnard to partner Sam Bird in 11th Formula E season

New talent Taylor Barnard will line up as team-mate to Sam Bird for Neom McLaren next season. The British racing team made the official announcement in on Tuesday. Barnard, who was already the team's official reserve driver in 2024 in addition to his Formula 2 season and stood in for the injured Sam Bird at the races in Monaco and Berlin, was considered the favourite for the second McLaren cockpit following the departure of Jake Hughes.

Barnard had already impressed in his three Formula E outings: in Monaco, he took over the McLaren cockpit without much preparation in the second free practice session after Sam Bird was diagnosed with a broken bone in his hand. After 14th place in the Principality, he scored points in Berlin with 10th and 8th place respectively. In doing so, he left his much more experienced team-mate Hughes behind him.

"I'm delighted to be driving for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in season 11," says Barnard. "In season 10, I was the team's reserve and development driver. I learnt a lot during that time and put my new knowledge into practice in Monaco and Berlin. I'm looking forward to driving alongside Sam this season and I'm sure I'll learn a lot from him."

"He's one of the most experienced drivers on the grid and I hope we can score a lot of points together and win some trophies for the team," the young Briton continued. "This is a great opportunity to continue the journey with the team as a full-time Formula E driver and I can't wait to get started."

Team principal Ian James has high hopes for the young talent: "During his time with the team last season in his role as reserve and development driver, Taylor showed commitment, professionalism and talent both on and off the track. He relished the rare opportunity to showcase his skills at very short notice in Monaco and impressed the entire paddock. His flair for Formula E was further emphasised by strong points-scoring races in Berlin."

Routine driver Bird enters his 11th Formula E year

Teammate Bird will remain with the team. The now 37-year-old was already on board for the first race in 2014 and is now entering his eleventh Formula E year. "I'm very happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for season 11," he explains. "This team has become like a family to me and I believe that we can achieve even more together in the coming season. We've done a good job in our first season together; now it's time to build on that and create even better memories in my second year with the team."

"Sam joined NEOM McLaren at the start of Season 10 and immediately became an integral part of the team," says team principal James. "He secured McLaren's first win in electric racing in Sao Paulo in historic style and has shown a consistent hunger for success. I have no doubt that he and Taylor will bring the team the results we are looking for in his second season with us."

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, adds: "We are entering our third year in Formula E and I am delighted that we will have a strong driver line-up with Sam and Taylor. Both have proven to be impressive talents, both in Formula E and in other categories. I look forward to utilising their skills and expertise to lead the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team to success in season 11."