Taylor Barnard has become the youngest full-time driver to race in Formula E after he signed with McLaren for the 2024/25 season.
Barnard is currently racing with AIX Racing in Formula 2 this season. With four rounds of the season to go, the Brit has had a difficult debut season.
The 20-year-old has only scored points four times this year, but one of those points finishes was his first win in the category in the Sprint Race in Monaco.
While he sits 20th in the drivers’ standings, Barnard already has his future secured as he is set to embark on his first full campaign in Formula E.
Zak Brown ‘very excited’ by the signing of Taylor Barnard
The Brit has had previous experience in the all-electric series after he stepped up to replace Sam Bird in Monaco after he suffered a wrist injury in practice.
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Finishing 14th on debut, Barnard returned to the seat for the double header in Berlin, as Bird was still not fit enough to race. The 20-year-old score points in both races, finishing 10th and eighth respectively.
After Jake Hughes announced his shock exit to Maserati at the end of the season, the F2 driver emerged as a potential option for a full-time drive. With negotiations going on since early June and a deal being struck last month, Barnard says it was a ‘no-brainer’ to sign with McLaren.
The Woking-based squad’s CEO Zak Brown expressed his excitement over his new signing. Posting on his X account, he wrote: “Very excited to welcome Taylor Barnard to the NEOM @McLarenFE Team driver line-up for Season 11.
“Racing alongside @sambirdofficial, I’m looking forward to seeing what the team can achieve when racing begins in December.”
In a team release following the announcement of Barnard’s signing, Brown added: “As we enter our third year competing in Formula E, I am delighted that we will have a strong driver line-up in Sam and Taylor.
“Both have proven themselves to be impressive talents, both in Formula E and other categories. I look forward to leveraging their skills and expertise to help bring the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team to success in Season 11.”
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Taylor Barnard links up with Sam Bird for the 2024/25 season
With Barnard linking up with 12-time ePrix winner Bird, McLaren have themselves a solid driver pairing heading into Season 11.
The team have struggled for consistency since joining FE in 2022/23. McLaren finished seventh in the team’s championship last season with just 12 points finishes between both of their cars.
But the Woking squad showed in moments that they can fight at the front of the field. Brown lauded Bird as ‘awesome’ for his dramatic late victory in Sao Paulo last year – McLaren’s first FE win – and Barnard displayed great potential with his performances in Berlin.
With team principal Ian James setting the team in ‘good stead’ for the future with their progression, McLaren have what they need to compete as FE heads into the revolutionary Gen3 Evo era.