Ahead of this weekend’s Formula E season-opening Mexico City E-Prix, the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team has announced that Formula 3 youngster Taylor Barnard will be their official reserve and development driver for Season 10.
Barnard has worked closely with McLaren’s Formula E squad over recent months, with the 19-year-old having been given his first taste of the all-electric series in last October’s pre-season test. The young Briton completed some running during the test at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, and will likely be used during the Season 10 Rookie test in Berlin.
The new McLaren reserve driver made his F3 debut in 2023 with Jenzer Motorsport and made an instant impact, as he picked up three rostrums in the final four races. One of his three podiums was a victory, impressively claimed in the Feature race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Holding the reserve and development driver role for McLaren in 2024 is a massive deal for Barnard, who recognises how it’s a “great opportunity for my future”.
“I’m super excited and honoured to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as a Reserve and Development Driver,” Barnard said. “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!”
Team Principal Ian James is more than aware that Barnard is undoubtedly an “impressive up-and-coming talent” who is destined for very big things. James is confident that the young star “will play and important role” for the Woking-based outfit in Season 10 and is certainly “adding value” to the British team ahead of their second Formula E campaign.
“I am delighted to officially welcome Taylor to the team, after giving him his first taste of electric racing in Valencia last October,” James said.
“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.”
