The rumors have come true. Sam Bird will be the driver who will accompany Jake Hughes in the NEOM McLaren operation during season 10 of Formula E, replacing Rene Rast.
Bird is one of the series’ historic drivers, having competed since the first season. At 36 years of age, he is one of the most successful racers on the grid, with 11 wins, 26 podiums and six Julius Baer pole positions over the course of those nine seasons.
He left Jaguar TCS Racing after a three-season stint at the end of 2022/23, and says his move to McLaren, one of the most recognizable and successful names in motorsport history, is “special.”
Highly Motivated
“I’m very excited to start with the NEOM McLaren Formula E team,” says Bird. “Being part of a team with as much heritage and prestige as the McLaren Racing family feels special.”
“We know there is work to be done before season 10 to make sure we get to where we want to be, which is at the front of the Formula E pack,” he stressed.
Read also: Neom McLaren Extends Agreement with Jake Hughes
Bird began his single-seater career in Formula BMW in 2004, finishing runner-up in the series in 2005. He has competed in Formula Renault and several seasons of Formula 3 and GP2, before holding various positions in Formula 1, including stints with Williams Racing and Mercedes AMG Petronas.
Since 2014, he has also competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship. His highlights include winning the LMP2 class in 2014 with G-Drive Racing and finishing second in the LMGTE Pro class with AF Corse in 2016.
Great Reception.
“It’s fantastic to be able to share the news that Sam will be joining the team for season 10, along with Jake,” said Ian James, Managing Director of NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and NEOM McLaren Formula E Team Principal.
“Sam is a proven force in Formula E, as well as other racing categories, and his experience and determination will drive the team forward for an exciting season ahead.
For his part, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said Bird has proven to be an impressive talent, which is why they are “eager” to tap into his experience and expertise to help the squad continue to evolve in the electric single-seater series.
“Together with Jake, I am confident that we have one of the strongest pairings on the Formula E grid – bring on season 10!” he concluded.
