Taylor Barnard’s rapid ascent through the ranks of single-seater racing has been nothing short of remarkable. In less than two years, the 20-year-old has progressed from a junior racing prospect to a full-time Formula E driver, via victories in Formula 3 and Formula 2. His journey has been filled with highs and lows, from technical disqualifications to historic achievements in Formula E.
Imola: A game changer?
Following the conclusion of the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at Imola, Barnard was disqualified due to a technical infringement. The #25 AIX Racing car failed to engage the start set-up procedure at the beginning of the formation lap. This violated Article 1.6.1 of the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Technical Regulations and Article 10.15 of the F2 2024 System User Manual. Despite a hearing before the Stewards, the breach was upheld, resulting in Barnard’s removal from the race results. This promoted Invicta Racing’s Kush Maini to eighth place, securing the final point in the Sprint Race.
Redemption in Monaco: Taylor Barnard claims maiden Formula 2 victory
Undeterred by the Imola setback, Taylor Barnard delivered a dominant performance in Monte Carlo. He secured his and AIX Racing’s first Formula 2 victory in the Sprint Race. The British driver fended off pressure from Invicta Racing’s Gabriel Bortoleto, withstanding a late Red Flag caused by Zane Maloney and Kush Maini stopping on track. Bortoleto claimed his second consecutive podium, finishing second, while MP Motorsport’s Dennis Hauger rounded out the top three.
Barnard, despite a slower start compared to front-row rival Bortoleto, managed to retain the lead into Turn 1. Hauger settled into third. An early Safety Car was deployed after Victor Martins collided with DAMS Lucas Oil’s Jak Crawford and Campos Racing’s Josep María Martí, ending his race in the barriers.
The race saw multiple interruptions, including a crash by Martí at the swimming pool section and a Virtual Safety Car following Richard Verschoor’s front wing damage after a tap from Barnard’s teammate, Joshua Duerksen. Duerksen was later handed a 10-second penalty for his involvement in the incident.
Barnard extended his lead to over two seconds by Lap 19, with Bortoleto coming under pressure from Hauger. Meanwhile, championship leader Maloney endured a race to forget, eventually retiring at La Rascasse after contact with Juan Manuel Correa, which also forced Maini to stop on track, triggering a Red Flag.
The race resumed with a rolling start on Lap 26, and Barnard held his advantage, crossing the line with a five-second lead over Bortoleto. The victory marked a significant milestone for the young Briton and his AIX Racing team.
The call to Formula E
Barnard’s rise in motorsport took another significant leap when he made his unexpected Formula E debut at the Monaco E-Prix last season. Stepping in as an emergency replacement for the injured Sam Bird, he became the youngest driver in the championship’s 10-year history at just 19 years and 331 days. Despite starting from the back of the grid, Barnard fought through the field to finish 14th. He remained in the car for the following round, scoring points in both races with finishes of 10th and eighth.
His impressive performances earned him a full-time drive with NEOM McLaren for the current Formula E season. Barnard has wasted no time in making his mark on the all-electric championship. In just three races, he has already secured two podiums and a pole position, adding several records to his name.
Lining up alongside his former mentor Oliver Rowland at McLaren has been another highlight of his young career. Having known each other since Barnard’s karting days, Barnard and Rowland shared a podium in Formula E for the first time in Jeddah.
What’s next for Taylor Barnard?
With his rapid progression and ability to adapt across different racing series, Taylor Barnard is emerging as one of the most promising talents in motorsport. His sights are now set on securing his first Formula E victory, a goal he believes is well within reach given his recent performances:
“I’ve ticked all the boxes besides winning a race, so that’s my target. We have the car to do it. We had a very good car yesterday, and obviously, starting from pole, we’re in the best position, so I’ll do my best.”
As his career continues to gather momentum, Taylor Barnard is proving that he belongs among the elite, making history at every turn. His journey is only just beginning, and the motorsport world is watching closely.
