NEOM McLaren has announced the return of Sam Bird following his absence due to injury in Berlin.
Bird sustained a broken hand during an incident in Free Practice 1 at the 2024 Monaco E-Prix, where he locked up and crashed into the wall at Turn 1, Sainte Devote. NEOM McLaren confirmed the injury after Bird was examined and sent to the hospital for further checks.
Bird underwent a successful procedure to treat the injury, which occurred in the same hand he injured during the London E-Prix in July 2022. Despite his injury, Bird was present at both Monaco and Berlin races to support and advise Taylor Barnard, who praised Bird for his positive impact during his Formula E debut weekends.
Bird will return to the #8 McLaren as Formula E makes its debut in Shanghai.
Super Sub: Taylor Barnard
Following Bird’s injury, 19-year-old Taylor Barnard stepped in and impressed team boss Ian James by completing the Monaco E-Prix weekend. Barnard’s performance in Berlin was even more notable, achieving two points-scoring finishes with 10th and 8th places, making him the youngest points-scorer in Formula E history.
Barnard will continue as the team’s Reserve and Development Driver while simultaneously competing in an ongoing FIA Formula 2 campaign.