NEOM McLaren has announced that Sam Bird will be lining up for the team in the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Bird will be competing alongside Jake Hughes, who extended his stay at the outfit last week, McLaren will now have an all British line-up.
The 36 year old has raced in Formula E since the very first campaign and Season 1. He is one of the most successful drivers on the grid, claiming 11 wins, 26 podiums and six Julius Baer Pole Positions over the nine seasons.
He left Jaguar TCS Racing after a three-season spell at the end of 2022/23 and says his move to McLaren – one of the most recognisable and successful names in motorsport history – is a “special” one.
Bird began his single seater racing career in Formula BMW in 2004, coming runner up in the series in 2005. He has competed in Formula Renault and various Formula 3 and GP2 Series seasons, before holding a number of Formula 1 roles including Williams Racing and Mercedes AMG Petronas.
Since 2014, he has also competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Highlights including winning the LMP2 class in 2014 with G-Drive Racing and finishing second in the LMGTE Pro Class with AF Corse in 2016.
I’m super excited to get going with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Becoming part of a team with so much heritage and prestige as the McLaren Racing family feels special. We know there is some work to do ahead of Season 10, to ensure we get to where we want to be, which is at the front of the Formula E pack. It feels great to be part of the team and I can’t wait to kick off the season preparations, I’m super motivated and driven to deliver success with the team in Season 10.
Bird on the move.
It’s great to be able to share the news that Sam will be joining the team for Season 10, alongside Jake. Sam is a proven force in Formula E, as well as other categories of racing, and his experience and determination will fuel the team ahead of an exciting season to come. As soon as the deal was done, his first question to me was when he could come into the office to start the preparations for Season 10 – this clearly shows his hunger and commitment to making Season 10 a success for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Having both Sam and Jake on board has already instilled confidence in the team.
Ian James, Managing Director and Team Principal.
It is a pleasure to welcome Sam to the McLaren Racing family. Throughout his time in Formula E, Sam has proven himself to be an impressive talent, and we are eager to leverage his experience and expertise to help bring the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team further success in Season 10. Alongside Jake, I’m confident that we have one of the strongest pairings on the Formula E grid. Bring on Season 10!
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO
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