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Barnard had 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 eighth respectively, Barnard impressed - becoming the youngest points-scorer in Formula E history at the age of 19.
“I am delighted to be racing for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team in Season 11," says Barnard. "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 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.
Youth and experience
Following his first season with NEOM McLaren, Bird will continue 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 seasons.
Bird secured the team's first and only win to-date in Formula E, with last lap heroics at the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix - one of the series' most memorable.
“I’m very happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team for Season 11," says Bird.
"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.”