McLaren has confirmed that Taylor Barnard will graduate to its System E staff following the departure of Jake Hughes.
Barnard, who has been racing in System 2 this 12 months – the place he received the Monaco dash race – alongside his commitments as NEOM McLaren’s reserve and improvement driver. The 20-year-old deputized for Sam Hen at three races final season after the veteran sustained a hand harm throughout follow for the Monaco E-Prix. He claimed back-to-back factors finishes on the Berlin E-Prix after ending 14th in his last-minute debut in Monaco.
“I’m delighted to be racing for the NEOM McLaren System E Workforce in Season 11,” stated Barnard. “In Season 10, I used to be the staff’s Reserve and Improvement Driver and through that point I learnt quite a bit, placing my new data into follow in Monaco and Berlin.”
Barnard will race alongside Hen in Season 11, the 12-time race winner being confirmed for a second season in papaya.
“I’m excited to race alongside Sam this season, and I’m positive I’ll study quite a bit from him,” stated Barnard. “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 gather some trophies for the staff.
“It’s a tremendous alternative to have the ability to proceed the journey with the staff as full-time System E driver, and I can’t wait to get began.”
Hen edged Mitch Evans on the streets of Sao Paulo to provide McLaren its first System E win. Andrew Ferraro/Motorsport Pictures
Former Jaguar driver Hen joined McLaren forward of final season and secured a dramatic first victory for the staff on the Sao Paulo E-Prix, sweeping spherical the skin of his former teammate Mitch Evans on the penultimate nook on the ultimate lap of the race in March.
“I’m very completely happy to be staying with the NEOM McLaren System E Workforce for Season 11,” stated Hen. “This staff has turn out to be like household to me, and I consider that we are able to obtain even higher issues collectively within the upcoming season.
“We’ve achieved some good work in our first season collectively; now it’s time to construct on that and create even higher reminiscences in my second 12 months with the staff.”
NEOM McLaren staff principal Ian James stated, “I’m delighted with our lineup of Taylor and Sam for Season 11, our third in System E because the NEOM McLaren System E Workforce.
“All through his time with the staff final season in his position of reserve and improvement driver, Taylor has proven dedication, professionalism and expertise each on the monitor and off it. He relished a uncommon alternative to exhibit his skill at very quick discover in Monaco and impressed the whole paddock. His grasp of System E was additional underscored by sturdy, points-scoring races in Berlin.
“Becoming a member of NEOM McLaren initially of Season 10, Sam instantly turned an integral a part of the staff,” James stated. “He secured McLaren’s first win in electrical racing in historic vogue in Sao Paulo and demonstrated fixed starvation for achievement. Going into his second season with us, I’ve little question that he and Taylor will convey the staff the outcomes we’re aiming for.”
Barnard’s predecessor Hughes was confirmed as a part of Maserati MSG’s all-new driver lineup alongside former McLaren System 1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne on the finish of July.
