The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team confirms that Alex Dunne will be taking part in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Berlin E-Prix Rookie Test on the 14th July, alongside fellow McLaren Driver Development member, Ella Lloyd.
Dunne, from Ireland, made his single seater racing debut in 2021, competing in the Spanish F4 Championship and finishing third in his first race. After moving to Formula 4, Alex continued to deliver impressive results, becoming the 2022 British F4 Champion as well as the Italian F4 vice-champion.
In 2023, Alex’s campaign saw him finish second in the GB3 Championship with five victories and eight podiums across the season. In the same year, he also made his Macau Grand Prix debut, finishing second in qualifying.
Alex raced with MP Motorsport in the 2024 FIA Formula 3 Championship, scoring two podiums and a further seven top 10 finishes.
Alongside his duties as reserve and development driver, Alex currently competes in Formula 2, where he sits second in the Championship and has 2 wins to his name already this season.
I’m very excited to be getting another opportunity in the GEN3 Evo at the Berlin Rookie Test next month. Since I joined the team as Reserve and Development Driver, I’ve learnt so much about what it takes to get the maximum out of these cars, and I can’t wait to get out on track again. Dunne on the news.
Having already played a crucial role in supporting the team this season as our Reserve and Development Driver, I’m very pleased that Alex will have another opportunity behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo at the Berlin Rookie Test. Alex has shown to have great pace and skill in Formula 2 this season, and I hope he will take this confidence with him to make the most of this outing in Berlin. Ian James, Team Principal of NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team has announced that McLaren Driver development programme and F1 Academy driver Ella Lloyd will take part in the Berlin Rookie Test, on Monday 14th July.
Ella, from Wales, began racing competitively in the Ginetta Junior Championship before competing in the Ginetta GT Championship the following year, finishing vice-champion.
At the beginning of 2024, Ella competed in the Formula Winter Series, securing the Female Driver Trophy multiple times. She competed in British F4, completing the season with three P2 result, one P3 and multiple points finishes.
In October last year, Ella joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme and represents the team in the 2025 F1 Academy season. Her participation in the series has already proved fruitful with a race victory in Jeddah, 3 more podiums to her name and 67 points overall from just four race weekends. Alongside her F1 Academy programme, Ella is laso competing in her second season of British F4.
Berlin will mark Ella’s second opportunity in Gen3 Evo machinery, following her first outing at the Season 11 pre-season Women’s test in Madrid, where she impressed the team with her feedback and ability to get to grips with the machinery quickly.
I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the GEN3 Evo car again with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. I learnt so much at the Women’s Test in Madrid and I’m excited to have another opportunity to get out on track and put all the preparation I’ve been doing in the simulator into practice. Lloyd on the news.
Ella is a very exciting young talent, and I’m thrilled that she will be back in the GEN3 Evo at the Berlin Rookie Test. Having worked alongside her over the course of this season, Ella’s professionalism and eagerness to learn left an impression on the whole team. I’m sure that she will continue to build on her knowledge and experience when we head out to Berlin. Ian James, Team Principal.
McLaren has announced that they will be exiting Formula E at the end of the 2024/25 season, which ends in London in late July.
The Formula E team was spawned from the previous works Mercedes EQ entry in 2022 and entered the Gen3 era with majority backing from the NEOM ‘future city’ initiative in Saudi Arabia.
While the team will require rebranding for next season, the NEOM funding is in place until the end of 2026. But it is understood than an option for the NEOM title partnership to be extended for a further four years is not being taken up – which in turn has led McLaren to switch focus to its Le Mans hypercar programme.
Its powertrains have been provided by Nissan and this agreement is also in place for whatever the entry will run as next season.
McLaren finished eighth in its first season in 2023 and then improved to seventh last year, taking a win at the Sao Paulo E-Prix with Sam Bird.
They currently sit 5th in 2024-25 points standings, with full-season rookie Taylor Barnard in 4th in the drivers’ championship with two pole positions and three podium finishes from 7 races.
We have been on an incredible journey so far as a team and are rightly proud of our achievements. Since the start of season nine [2023] of the Formula E world championship, we have been extremely fortunate to have been an integral part of the McLaren Racing family. Although our McLaren Racing chapter comes to an end, we recognise the value and power of Formula E as a world championship and platform for positive change as the sport goes from strength to strength.Work is well under way to explore the best opportunities for the team to continue competing beyond season 11 [2024-25]. James on the news.
In response to recent reports, Formula E can confirm that, following changes to its sponsorship portfolio, McLaren has informed us of its intention to withdraw its brand from the customer team it currently operates in the Formula E world championship. While this may take effect at the end of the current season, there remains the possibility that the partnership could continue through the end of Gen3 in 2026. We recognise that the commercial landscape in motorsport is dynamic and often subject to change. Despite this development, the team, under the leadership of Ian James, is already engaged in positive discussions with potential partners and investors. We are confident the team will remain a strong presence in the championship, operating under a new identity if required. A spokesperson for Formula E.
NEOM McLaren have confirmed Alex Dunne for the Jeddah Rookie Free Practice session, ahead of the 2025 Jeddah E-Prix.
Dunne, from Ireland, made his single-seater racing debut in 2021, competing in the Spanish F4 Championship and finishing third in his first race. After moving to Formula 4, Alex continued to deliver impressive results, becoming the 2022 British F4 Champion as well as the Italian F4 vice-champion.
Dunne’s 2023 campaign saw his finish second in the GB3 Championship with five victories and eight podiums across the season. In the same year he also made his Macau Grand Prix debut, finishing second in the qualifying race.
Since then, as well as joining the McLaren Driver Development programme, he raced with MP Motorsport in the 2024 FIA Formula 3 Championship, scoring two podiums and a further seven top 10 finishes. Dunne’s 2025 race programme, which he will contest alongside his Formula E duties, he is taking a step up to FIA Formula 2 for 2025 with Rodin Motorsport.
I’m looking forward to getting my first chance to drive the GEN3 Evo for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team next week in Jeddah. To have this opportunity through the McLaren Driver Development programme feels incredible, and I’m so grateful to the team for putting their trust in me. I’ve been working hard in the simulator and with the team to prepare for this test, and I can’t wait to get out to Jeddah. Dunne on the news.
I’m very pleased that Alex will have the chance to test with the team at next week’s Rookie Free Practice Session. As our Reserve and Development Driver, Alex has already been playing a key role within the team and has been supporting us through his work in the simulator. Throughout his junior career, Alex has shown great promise, and I know he’ll make the most of this opportunity. Ian James, Team Principal.
NEOM McLaren has signed Alex Dunne as the team’s Reserve and Development Driver for the 2024/25 season of the FIA ABB Formula E World Championship.
In his role, Dunne will work directly with the team in Bicester and Woking, contributing to the team’s development, while growing his knowledge and experience within the series. Alex has been part of the McLaren Racing family since May 2024 when he joined the Driver Development programme.
Dunne from Ireland, began his racing career at eight years old, before securing his first European karting title in 2019. In 2021, he made his single-seater debut competing in the 2021 Spanish F4 Championship, and securing a combined 16 race wins across the British, UAE and Italian Formula 4 Championships while racing for Hitech Grand Prix and US Racing.
Dunne was crowned the 2022 British F4 Champion as well as the Italian F4 Championship runner-up.
In 2023, Dunne was runner-up in the GB3 Championship with five victories and eight podiums. Last season he competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with MP Motorsport while continuing his development with the support of the McLaren Driver Development programme.
I’m excited to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as Reserve and Development Driver. Working with NEOM McLaren as part of my experience in the McLaren Driver Development programme is an excellent opportunity to hone my skills. I’m looking forward to doing what I can to support the team and learn as much as possible. Alex Dunne on the news.
I am delighted to welcome Alex to the team as the team’s Reserve and Development Driver. Alex is an up-and-coming talent in single seater motorsport and has been part of the McLaren Driver Development programme since last season, through which we have been able to follow his progress and development. The team are looking forward to working with him in 2025. Alex will play an important role within our team, adding value to the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with his drive and talent, while also gaining experience himself along the way. Ian James, Team Principal.
Ella Lloyd will be embarking on her first full F1 Academy season next year, with the Welsh racer joining the McLaren Driver Development programme to represent the team next season with Rodin Motorsport.
As part of her role in the programme, Lloyd will also compete in Formula E’s Women’s Test – for NEOM McLaren in November, as part of pre-season testing for the 2024/25 season.
The 19 year old made her car racing debut back in 2022 in the Ginetta Junior championship, scoring points in 15 of 25 races that season. The next year, saw her progress to the Ginetta GT Championship, scoring 10 victories and a further eight podiums on her way to Vice Champion title in the Pro Class.
This year, has seen Lloyd achieve the Female Driver Trophy several times in the Formula Winter Series. She also followed that up with a success rookie British F4 campaign in which she secured three second-place finishes, one third place and multiple points finishes to finish 11th in the Standings.
Lloyd has already had her first taste of racing in F1 Academy, where she scored points twice as the Wild Card Entry for Round 5 in Singapore last month.
I’m really excited to be joining the McLaren Driver Development programme as the team’s F1 ACADEMY driver in 2025. It’s an honour to drive for a team that has such a great racing history, and also a long track record for developing talent. With McLaren, I now have everything I need to keep developing and pushing the boundaries as a female in motorsport. Thank you to Zak Brown, Stephanie Carlin and the entire McLaren team for their faith in me. I can’t wait to get racing in papaya. Lloyd on the news.
I am pleased to welcome Ella to the McLaren Driver Development programme ahead of her debut as our F1 ACADEMY driver for the 2025 season. Ella has great talent and potential and has already cemented herself in the series, performing brilliantly as the Wild Card entry in Singapore, so we’re excited to see what she can do with us. We look forward to supporting her development. Stephanie Carlin, Director of F1 Business Operations at McLaren.
NEOM McLaren has confirmed Sam Bird and Taylor Barnard for the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Barnard has been Reserve and Development driver at NEOM McLaren and had his first competitive experience behind the wheel of Formula E machinery for the team across the 2024 Monaco E-Prix and Berlin E-Prix, stepping in last-minute for the injured Sam Bird.
Finishing those races in 14th, 10th and eight respectively, Barnard impressed – becoming the youngest points-scorer in Formula E history at the age of 19.
Barnard entered single seater racing in 2020. On his way up the motorsport ladder, the Brit became 2022 ADAC Formula 4 runner-up as well as the 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship runner-up.
In 2023, during his debut season in FIA Formula 3, he took his maiden victory in the championship at Spa-Francorchamps.
In 2024 Barnard shared duties in FIA Formula 2 with AIX Racing alongside his role as Reserve and Development Driver for NEOM McLaren.
Following his first season with NEOM McLaren, Bird will be continuing with the team for Season 11. The 37 year old has competed in Formula E since Season 1 and is one of only five drivers to have done so.
Bird is among the most successful drivers on the grid with 12 wins, 26 podiums and six Julius Baer Pole Positions to his name over the course of those 10 season.
Bird secured the team’s first and only win to date in Formula E with last lap heroics at the 2024 Sao Paulo E-Prix one of the series’ most memorable.
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. 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. Barnard on the news.
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. Bird on sticking with McLaren.
NEOM McLaren has announced the departure of Jake Hughes. Hughes made his competitive debut in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in the 2023/24 campaign with the team.
He went on to score 96 points, four Julius Baer Pole Positions and a second-placed podium finish at the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix.
In his first Formula E race, the 2023 Mexico City E-Prix, Jake qualified third, finishing the race in a promising fifth. He then went on to secure the team’s first pole at only his third race weekend in Diriyah, before clinching a second at the 2023 Monaco E-Prix.
In 2024, Hughes notched another pair of poles and achieved a career best P2 finish, his first podium in the championship.
The team says Hughes has been crucial in its success for a long spell, going back as far as 2020, in which he started out as Reserve and Development driver for the Mercedes-EQ the team that laid the foundations of what is NEOM McLaren today.
Leaving the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will feel very strange for me in the coming weeks, based on the fact this team has been my home for the last four-and-a-half years. I have a lot of thanks to give to so many different people within the team for what they have given me, and how they have prepared me and allowed me to grow into the racing driver I am today. Everything I am in Formula E is down to this team, and for that I am extremely grateful. I wish the team all the best, and I have no doubt that we’ll have some good times racing on track against each other in the future. Hughes on leaving the team.
Jake has made a significant contribution to this team over the years, both on and off the track, and we are incredibly grateful for his input and dedication throughout. During this time, he has flourished into a proven talent in Formula E; particular highlights being his four pole positions – of which one came in only his third ever event in Formula E – and his P2 finish in Shanghai this year. On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jake. Alongside his natural talent as a driver, he is a consummate professional and yet has an easy sense of humour which has endeared him to all in the Formula E paddock. Ian James, Managing Director and Team Principal.
NEOM McLaren have confirmed the return of Sam Bird, following his absence in Berlin due to injury.
Bird was found to have broken his hand after an incident in Free Practice 1 at the 2024 Monaco E-Prix which saw the Brit lock up and hit the wall in the run-off area at Turn 1, Sainte Devote.
McLaren confirmed the injury in a statement after the session, once Bird had been examined and sent to hospital for further checks.
The Brit then went on to have a successful procedure to rectify the injury to the same hand he’d injured back in July 2022 during the London E-Prix.
He was on-site in both Monaco and Berlin to support and advise Barnard who had replaced Sam in both races, with the youngster calling out the positive impact Bird had on his Formula E debut weekends.
Barnard went on to score points in Berlin finishing 10th and eighth to set another record as the youngest points-scorer in Formula E. The Brit is continuing in his role as the team’s Reserve and Development Driver, dovetailing that work with an ongoing FIA Formula 2 campaign.
NEOM McLaren announce Ugo Ugochukwu and Gregoire Saucy for the Berlin Rookie Test.
Ugochukwu, from New York City, US, has had an impressive junior career to date and is currently a member of the McLaren Driver Development programme, having initially signed with the team in 2021.
In his short career so far, he’s sealed the FIA OK-Junior European Karting Championship title, amongst other karting achievements. Moving up to single seaters, he finished his rookie season third overall and winning the Rookie trophy, and his second season as Italian Formula 4 vice champion and Euro 4 Champion, where he grabbed a total of 11 wins and 44 podiums to his name.
This season he is competing in the Formula Regional European Championship and at selected rounds of the GB3 Championship, whilst continuing his progression with the McLaren Driver Development programme where he will be supported in his journey from junior motorsport to professional racing driver. Ugochukwu has already spent time in the Formula E simulator at the MTC as part of his current role.
Gregoire Saucy, from Switzerland, began racing on his family kart track at three years old and quickly established himself as a talent, where he became the youngest licensed competitor at just seven years old.
His early career saw him regularly on the podium throughout karting championships and in 2015 he progressed to single seaters, claiming his first title in the Formula Regional Championship in 2021. He currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship with United Autosports, in partnership with McLaren Motorsport.
I’m looking forward to the Berlin Rookie Test in May with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. It’s an amazing opportunity to take the Nissan e-4ORCE 04 to track and I’m grateful to be given this chance through the McLaren Driver Development programme. I’m excited to learn and develop my driving further with a new category of car. I’ll be working closely with the great team at Bicester and MTC in the build-up, getting prepared for the test and making sure I’m as prepared as possible to help the team. Ugo on the news.
I’m really excited to start this new challenge. It will be my first time in a Formula E car. I’ve been driving single seater cars up until last year, before changing direction for this season, competing in GT3 and LMP2, so it will be nice to step into a single seater again. I want to thank the NEOM McLaren team for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to discovering Formula E first hand. See you in Berlin. Saucy on the news.
It’s great to see that Formula E is continuing to provide opportunities for talented drivers to show what they are capable of, by hosting another official rookie test this season. It is also a good way for us as teams to evaluate these drivers in the current GEN3 machinery. I’m especially excited about our line-up for this test; both Ugo and Grégoire have stood out in the categories they’ve competed in to date. I look forward to seeing them hit the track in Berlin. Ian James, Team Principal & Managing Director.
Sam Bird will sit out this weekends Berlin E-Prix double header, as he recovers from surgery on his hand.
NEOM McLaren have confirmed that 19 year old Taylor Barnard will be continuing his duties as Reserve Driver, covering for an injured Sam Bird.
Barnard was drafted in after Sam Bird broke his hand in an accident during Monaco in FP1, when his car locked up and went down an escape road near Sainte Devote. Despite his best efforts to rescue the car, Bird hit the barrier and failed to let go of the steering wheel which then led to the injury.
Bird has now undergone a successful surgery on his left hand, with the team supporting Sam and his recovery to ensure he can compete again as quickly as achievable.
During his Formula E debut, Barnard managed to finish the Monaco E-Prix in 14th after he started at the back of the pack.
We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery, with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car. Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery – with the team’s full support. We’re looking forward to having Sam back in the car soon. Ian James, Team Principal.
NEOM McLaren will be giving Taylor Barnard another opportunity behind the wheel of their Gen3 car at the Misano Rookie Free Practice session on Friday 12th April.
Barnard, from Norwich England, entered single seater racing in 2020. Since then, he has become the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 runner-up, as well as the 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship runner-up.
In 2023, during his debut season in FIA Formula 3, he took his maiden victory in the championship at Spa-Francorchamps and finished the season 10th in the Drivers’ standings. He has now moved up to FIA Formula 2 for the 2024 season.
Taylor got his first taste of Formula E racing in October 2023, having driven for the team as a rookie driver during the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship’s Valencia Pre-Season Test. Since then, he’s become an integral part of the team in his role as Reserve and Development Driver for NEOM McLaren.
I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the NEOM McLaren GEN3 car in Misano. I’ve enjoyed working with the team so far this year as Reserve and Development Driver, and I’m looking forward to putting this into practice on-track.
Barnard on the news.
I am delighted that Taylor will be representing the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in the Misano Rookie Free Practice Session next week. In his current role of Reserve and Development driver, Taylor is an integral part of the team and has helped us improve our performance on-track. This session will help him further understand the team and the correlation between his work in our simulator and on-track racing, while giving him that all-important experience in GEN3 machinery.
Free Practice 1- Mitch Evans started his Sao Paulo weekend in the best way possible, as the Jaguar TCS Racing driver topped the first free practice session of the weekend.
The Jaguar team come into the weekend as the favourites after dominating the race result here last season. The British manufacturer achieved their first 1-2-3 result here as a powertrain supplier, and will look to replicate it again.
This 2.93km street circuit is home to the longest straight in Formula E, and will certainly be a prime overtaking spot. ERT’s Dan Ticktum was using the session to find the limits, going off at the entry into the first chicane and having to rejoin the track down at Turn 3 where ATTACK MODE is.
With halfway through the session, Stoffel Vandoorne was fastest on track. However, track evolution meant the times kept tumbling. Edoardo Mortara of Mahindra Racing went second just 0.028s off Mitch Evans. Ticktum slot into third with less that two minutes to go.
Free Practice 2- NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird topped the timesheets for the second and final free practice in Sao Paulo, as the grid prepare for qualifying. The Brit, who stood on the podium here last year, set a time of 1:12.773s in a session that was impacted by a red flag.
Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans also suffered an unlucky mechanical issue which limited the running time for him. Team Principal, James Barclays confirmed that the problem was with the car’s front driveshaft but the team were quick to try and fix it.
Maximilian Guenther went quickest 10 minutes into FP2, but despite the German’s rapid pace he will be starting toward the back of the grid as he picked up a 20 place grid penalty for changing his gearbox before FP2.
Double waved yellows were waved with nine minutes of practice left to go, after Edoardo Mortara received a warning on the steering wheel of his Mahindra Racing telling him to stop the car. The six time race winner pulled his car over to the side off the track just after Turn 3, and brought out the red flags as his car needed to be recovered.
The session did get back to green flag racing for the last minute, but left no time for setting fast laps. Instead, the grid completed some practice starts ahead of the race.
Qualifying-
TAG Heuer Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein managed to grab a second Julius Baer Pole Position of the season, beating DS Penske’s Stoffel Vandoorne but just 0.002s – the second closest pole margin in Formula E history.
It was a dramatic session for the Jaguar powertrain cars, with Evans being the highest placed car in fourth. Nick Cassidy, who leads the championship, failed to make it through to the Duels and will start ninth, with both Envision cars down in 17th and 18th.
DS Penske had a very strong qualifying, as Vandoorne starts second and Jean-Eric Vergne just behind him in third. A great result for new Deputy Team Principal Phil Charles.
Nico Muller made a surprise appearance in the Duels, but an earlier incident meant he wasn’t able to make it to the track in the Quarter finals.
Maserati’s Maximilian Guenther will start from the back of the pack due to the grid-drop penalty mentioned earlier – the German’s penalty also incurring a stop/go penalty on the race.
The full top 10 are- P1: Wehrelin, P2: Vandoorne, P3: Vergne, P4: Evans, P5: Bird, P6: Mortara, P7: Muller, P8: Da Costa, P9: Cassidy and P10: Dennis.
Round 4-
Sam Bird sealed one of the most dramatic victories in Formula E history in the Sao Paulo E-Prix Round 4, with a stunning final lap move on former teammate Mitch Evans to secure NEOM McLaren’s first victory in the World Championship and his first with the team.
Wehrlein started sharply to lead with Vandoorne following as you were into Turn 1 in second, with Evans jumping Verge for third. Porsche’s da Costa made a demon launch, gaining two spots to sixth off-the-line and defending hard from Mortara’s Mahindra to hold that spot over lap 1.
The lead group squabbled constantly as each looked to maximise their energy consumption while keeping pace with leader Bird. Evans had briefly took third before losing it at Turn 1 on lap 6 to Wehrlein.
A Safety Car was required for the recovery of a rogue Andretti front wing as Nato hit Di Grassi as the pack squeezed through the first chicane. The Brazilian also lost his front wing while standings leader Cassidy gave the front of his car a nudge into the same corner at the start of lap 8.
More lead changes happened once green flag conditions continued, as Da Costa and Evans hit the front then dropped back into the mix with their second attack mode activations- but Jake Dennis had been quietly working his way through from 10th at the start to lead on lap 12.
Lap 16 saw a huge moment, with Drivers’ World Championship leader Cassidy’s three-race podium streak coming to an end as the Jaguar driver smashed into the wall through Turn 9 as he slid wide at speed – his front wing falling loose beneath his front wheels.
Through the clamour before the Safety Car, Bird managed to retake the lead and had half a percent of usable energy in hand over Evans, now in second. Lap 20, saw the green flag fly again with Bird leading Evans, Wehrlein, Dennis, Da Costa, Vergne, Rowland, Vandoorne, Guenther and Buemi in the top 10.
As the laps ticked down, Bird and Evans continued to hold the advantage. Despite Dennis in third, keeping 1.5% usable energy in hand, his car was running too hot to capitalise. Inside the final seven laps, including three added on for those periods under the Safety Car, Evans appeared to have done enough with a move around the outside of Bird at Turn 3 for P1.
However, the McLaren driver was not done. He could not resist a last-ditch manoeuvre on his old teammate. Bird went all the way around the outside of Turn 10 is last chance to make something stick and hung on to take the inside line and the lead into Turn 11, steering to the win with Evans just half a second back.
The full top 10 are- P1: Bird, P2: Evans, P3: Rowland, P4: Wehrlein, P5: Dennis, P6: Da Costa, P7: Vergne, P8: Vandoorne, P9: Guenther and P10: Buemi.
We don’t have to wait too long till the next race, as it’s less than two weeks away on the 30th March and we head to Japan for the Tokyo E-Prix!
NEOM McLaren has confirmed Taylor Barnard will be its Reserve and Development driver through Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
In his new role, Barnard will work directly with the team in Bicester and Woking, contributing to the team’s development, while growing his knowledge and experience within the series.
The 19 year old got his first taste of Formula E in October 2023, having driven for the team as a rookie driver during the Valencia pre-season test.
Barnard from Norwich, England, first entered single seater racing in 2020. Since then, he has become the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 runner up, as well as the 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship runner-up.
In 2023, during his debut season in FIA Formula 3, he took his maiden victory in the championship at Spa-Francorchamps.
I’m super excited and honoured to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as a Reserve and Development Driver. Having an opportunity to work with a team such as NEOM McLaren is a great opportunity for my future and I will be working as hard as I can to support the team and working hard to learn as much as possible!
Barnard on the news.
I am delighted to officially welcome Taylor to the team, after giving him his first taste of electric racing in Valencia last October. He is an incredibly impressive up-and-coming talent in single seater motorsport, and I’m looking forward to working with him in 2024. Taylor will play an important role within our team, and I am confident he will be adding value to the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with his drive and talent, while also gaining valuable experience himself along the way.
Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
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!
NEOM McLaren has announced that Jake Hughes will extend his stay with the British team for the 2023/24 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
Hughes stepped up from his reserve and development driver with Mercedes-EQ in Season 7 and 8 into an impressive rookie campaign in Season 9.
Jake qualified third on his debut at the Mexico City E-Prix back in January where he went on to finish 5th. He then went on to secure the team’s first Formula E podium in Diriyah before doubling his pole count in Monaco.
While Hughes remains, McLaren announced the other day that Rene Rast will not be hanging around for Season 10 – which will leave Hughes with a new teammate for the approaching season.
I’m really happy to be remaining with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 10. The team has been my home for a number of years, and I have loved every minute of it. We had a bit of a mixed season, but I had a lot of personal highlights which I’m hoping to build upon next year with the team and fight for wins and podiums, which I have no doubt we’ll be able to achieve together. I can’t wait for Season 10.
Hughes on staying in papaya.
I am excited to be able to share that we will be continuing our relationship with Jake. Even though we never had any doubts about his performance, he impressed the team and the wider paddock with a great rookie season. Jake’s commitment to the team and to Formula E is outstanding. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Jake and the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
Ian James, Managing Director and Team Principal.
I am delighted that Jake will remain with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 10. As we expected, Jake has proven himself to be an exceptional talent, delivering some strong results for the team in 2023, including two pole positions. As we look forward to Season 10, I’m excited to see what Jake and the team can achieve.
NEOM McLaren and Rene Rast have parted ways after a season together at the start of Formula E’s GEN3 era.
NEOM McLaren had signed Rast at the close of Season 8, with the German the first of the team’s driver line-up to be announced ahead of its Formula E bow in Season 9.
Rast made his return to Formula E after a full time spell with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler back in Season 7, with a best result of second in Puebla.
The Minden-born driver’s first appearance in the series came back in 2015/16 and was followed by a stint with Audi back at the Season 6 six race nine-day finale in Berlin that earned him a full-time seat a year later. Rast scored his first Formula E silverware on home soil in the German capital, having impressed with his combative driving style.
The triple DTM champion went on to score McLaren’s only podium of the season in Diriyah, and finished just eight points behind rookie Jake Hughes in the sister car – winding up 13th in the Drivers’ World Championship. A tough run through the second half of the season from his home E-Prix in Berlin onwards saw him fail to finish higher than 12th.
Rene has been an integral part of the team’s successes and learnings as its first season as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Rene has taken the difficult decision to pursue other opportunities, and the team fully supports his decision. We can’t thank him enough for everything he’s done for the team over the past year. Having said that, the team has been working in the background to secure the best possible driver line-up for Season 10, and we are excited to announce the full driver line-up for the 2023/24 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in due course. Thank you again, Rene – you will be missed.
NEOM McLaren will field Charlie Eastwood and Luke Browning at the official Rookie Test in Berlin on the 24th April.
Eastwood, from Belfast has built an impressive resume over the past 10 years predominantly in GT and Endurance competition.
During this time, he became the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britian champion, 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup (Pro-Am) champion and won the European Le Mans Series – LMP2 Pro-AM in 2022, as well as the Asian Le Mans Series – LMP2 earlier this year. He has also held several reserve and development driver roles.
I’m absolutely buzzing to drive the GEN3 car at the Berlin Rookie Test. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some of the races earlier this season, and I really like the championship. I love the complexity of the series, as well as the car itself. I’ve had a taste of it on the simulator and I am sure there will be a lot to learn on the day. I’m super excited and can’t wait to work with the team.
Eastwood on the test.
Luke Browning, from Kingsley in the UK, is the 2022 Autosport BRDC Award winner. Looking at his short career so far, Browning grabbed the F4 British Championship in 2020.
The following year he took part in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship and the Drexler Automotive Formula 4 Cup where he finished 3rd in both. In 2022 the 21 year old took part in the GB3 Championship and ended up winning the Championship.
Now in 2023, he is competing in his first season of FIA Formula 3 Championship where he currently sits 10th after two rounds.
I’m really looking forward to be jumping into the NEOM McLaren Formula E car. I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain some experience in very different machinery than usual. I’ll be looking to pick up as much as I can from the successful and experienced team I will be surrounded by. It will be a different style of driving compared to what I’m used to – I don’t doubt I have a lot to learn, but I’m eager to pick it up as quickly as possible. I’m really looking forward to the 24th!
Browning on the opportunity.
I am happy to be able to host an official rookie test again this season. It is a good way for us as teams to give talent the opportunity to get a taste of the Gen3 machinery, while being able to evaluate them at the same time. Our line-up is an exciting combination of Charlie, who we’ve been working closely together with for a while now, and Luke, who is an emerging talent. It will be great to see both of them out on track. It’s good to see significant interest in the series, from both up-and-coming talent, as well as established drivers.
Jake Hughes will complete NEOM McLaren Formula E Team’s driver line-up for the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with the outfit announcing he will compete alongside Rene Rast.
Hughes can count on more than 10 years experience in single seaters across BRDC Formula 4, where he became its inaugural champion, Formula Renault, and eventually graduating to Formula 2 for 2022, having secured several during a prior stint in Formula 3.
Alongside his Formula 2 campaign, Hughes took on the role of Reserve and Development driver with Mercedes-EQ, contributing to the title-winning campaigns.
Hughes will now graduate to a race seat at the team as it kicks off its Gen3 effort under the McLaren banner.
First and foremost, I’m very proud and feel very privileged to become part of the McLaren Racing family, being given the chance to represent such a prestigious brand. Growing up, McLaren was one of the teams that inspired me to start racing. To now go full circle, representing the team myself in Formula E feels incredible. I’ve obviously been with the Formula E team in a different guise before and we have already achieved great results. It’s good to have that relationship and I know what’s expected of me. Coming in at a time where a new generation car is introduced in the series excites me. It feels like a good opportunity and chance, especially being a rookie in Season 9. It’s set to be a great year and I can’t wait to kick off the journey ahead!
Hughes on his seat.
I am delighted to announce our full driver line-up for our inaugural season in Formula E. A hugely exciting prospect in single seater competition, Jake also has a history with the team as a development and reserve driver. Alongside Rene, who is particularly skilled in a wide range of series, which includes previous experience in Formula E, I believe that this pairing will be crucial in helping us hit the ground running in our first season in the series as the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.
Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing.
Since May this year, when we first announced McLaren Racing’s entry into Formula E, we have been working tirelessly to get in place the best possible team and structure for sustainable success. On the one hand, we have been working on the retention of the amazing talent that already was in place before going into the transitional phase. I’m proud to say I think we’ve done a great job on that front. On the other hand, we have been focusing on putting in place new processes and new talent – and the latter includes the drivers. Jake is an exciting talent, who we have worked with before as our Reserve and Development driver. Over the years, the team and Jake have built a relationship, and that, combined with his sheer talent, will be what can give us an edge going into this season. We’ve given Jake a chance to prove himself on the big stage in Season 9, and his story is a perfect example of the talent development that we believe in as a team.
McLaren Racing has signed Rene Rast with the German driver the first of Neom McLaren Formula E’s driver line up for its debut in Formula E starting 2022/23.
Rast is making his return to Formula E after a full-time spell with Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler back in Season 7, with a best result of second in Puebla. His first appearance in the series came back in 2015/16 and was followed by a stint with Audi back at the Season 6 six-race nine-day finale in Berlin, that earned him a full time drive a year later.
Rast is also a triple DTM champion, coming out on top in 2017, 2019 and 2020, and he has also claimed overall wins at the 2012 and 2014 24 Hours of Spa, 2-14 24 Hours of Nurburgring and class wins at the 2012 and 2016 24 Hours of Daytona.
I am delighted to join the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. As a racing fan, McLaren has always had huge appeal. It’s an iconic name in motorsport with a rich history, so I feel privileged and proud to be able to represent McLaren in Formula E next season. I’ve done a season in Formula E before, it was a great experience, and I felt after that year I wasn’t done yet. I’m excited that I am now getting the opportunity to continue that journey. I’m extremely motivated and have no doubt we will create something great together. I can’t wait to get started!
Rene Rast on joining McLaren.
While we approach the start of a new chapter for the team, I am delighted to be able to add Rene to our driver line up for next season. Rene has shown his racecraft over and over again in every series he has competed in to date. He is not only extremely fast, but also consistent, and has valuable previous experience in Formula E, which will be of great help both to the team and himself. Season 9 promises to be an exciting challenge for the team and I’m happy to have one of our cars in the trusted hands of Rene.
Ian James, Managing Director.
Rene has impressed over the years in the series he has competed in. He is a true racer and has proven to be quick in any car he’s driven. His previous experience in Formula E will be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing. I’m delighted to welcome Rene to the McLaren Racing family.
Jordan's Track Talk 