The British Formula E team has confirmed its driver lineup for the 2024-2025 season, following the departure of Shanghai podium sitter Jake Hughes after two seasons with the papaya team.
The Brit, who will compete for Maserati in the upcoming season, will be replaced by NEOM McLaren’s Reserve Driver for the current season, Taylor Barnard. Winner of the 2024 Formula 2 Monaco Sprint race, the PHM AIX driver has already made his electric debut at the same track, substituting for Sam Bird suffering from a hand injury. Barnard ended the following two German rounds in the points, with a best finish of P8, becoming the youngest ever points scorer in the history of Formula E.
“I am delighted to be racing for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in Season 11. 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,” said Barnard commenting the announcement. He went on to praise his future teammate, extremely thankful for the opportunity received.
“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 full-time Formula E driver, and I can’t wait to get started.
The 20 years old driver will partner up with the aforementioned British driver, as Sam Bird will continue his partnership with the Woking-based team for a second season. The experienced driver scored the team’s first E-Prix win of its history in the Brazilian round.
“I’m very happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 11. 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 with the team,” said the former Jaguar driver on the news.
McLaren’s Team Principal Ian James also commented on the announcements, explaining the reasoning behind the choice of the duo:
”I am delighted with our lineup of Taylor and Sam for Season 11, our third in Formula E as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.”
“Throughout his time with the team last season in his role of Reserve and Development Driver, Taylor has shown dedication, professionalism and talent both on the track and off it. He relished a rare opportunity to demonstrate his ability at very short notice in Monaco and impressed the entire paddock. His grasp of Formula E was further underscored by strong, points-scoring races in Berlin.”
“Joining NEOM McLaren at the start of Season 10, Sam immediately became an integral part of the team. He secured McLaren’s first win in electric racing in historic fashion in São Paulo and demonstrated constant hunger for success. Going into his second season with us, I have no doubt that he and Taylor will bring the team the results we are aiming for.”
