The McLaren System E workforce has confirmed that Taylor Barnard will companion Sam Hen on the workforce for the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Barnard, an Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Younger Driver of the 12 months finalist in 2023, takes the place of Jake Hughes, who was confirmed at Maserati MSG earlier this month.
The Briton turned the youngest driver to compete within the all-electric championship on the age of 19 when he made his debut on the 2024 Monaco E-Prix having been known as in as a late substitute for Hen, who broke his hand in a observe crash.
After ending 14th on the streets of Monte Carlo, Barnard scored a double factors end subsequent outing in Berlin earlier than resuming his function as McLaren’s reserve and improvement driver after Hen’s return.
However having impressed on his outings, McLaren introduced on Tuesday that he could be racing full-time this coming season with the workforce.
“I’m excited to race alongside Sam this season, and I’m positive I’ll study so much from him,” stated Barnard, who this yr has additionally raced in System 2 with AIX Racing and received the dash race in Monaco.
“He is likely one of the most skilled drivers on the grid, and I hope that collectively we are able to rating loads of factors and accumulate some trophies for the workforce.
Taylor Barnard, NEOM McLaren System E Group, e-4ORCE 04
Picture by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Pictures
“It’s a tremendous alternative to have the ability to proceed the journey with the workforce as full-timeFormula E driver, and I can’t wait to get began.”
Hen, in the meantime, will enter his sophomore season with McLaren having taken the British squad’s first win in System E in Sao Paulo with a last-lap overtake.
The 37-year-old Briton failed to face on the rostrum once more, although, having injured the identical hand that he broke in London in the course of the 2021/22 season.
After registering simply two factors finishes within the final six races on his comeback, Hen completed equal on factors with Hughes down in thirteenth within the standings, as McLaren may solely handle seventh within the groups’ championship.
Zak Brown, McLaren CEO, stated: “As we enter our third yr competing in System E, I’m delighted that we’ll have a robust driver line-up in Sam and Taylor.
“Each have confirmed themselves to be spectacular abilities, each in System E and different classes.
“I look ahead to leveraging their abilities and experience to assist carry the McLaren System E workforce to success in Season 11.”
