Sam Bird Reflects on McLaren Dream, Mentorship, and Uncertain Future in Formula E
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As one of Formula E’s most seasoned competitors, Sam Bird has enjoyed a remarkable career, punctuated by 12 wins and 27 podium finishes. His recent tenure with NEOM McLaren, however, represents more than just another chapter – it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. With McLaren departing the all-electric series, Bird’s future remains uncertain, but his impact on the sport and the team is undeniable.
A Childhood Dream Realized
For Bird, a Surrey native, joining McLaren wasn’t simply a career move; it was a homecoming. “As a Surrey boy, born and bred, McLaren was the home team,” he explained. “They were literally a few miles down the road from where I was living. I lived in West Byfleet when I really got the racing bug, so McLaren has always been a team that I’ve wanted to be a part of.” The opportunity to represent the iconic British marque was, in his words, “a dream come true to finally wear these colours, to have this name on my shirt, and I’ve worn it with pride.”
Familiar Faces, Unwavering Support
The transition to NEOM McLaren was eased by the presence of familiar colleagues, including long-time Race Engineer Stephen Lane and Chris Brown. “It’s meant the world having people like Stephen Lane working on my car again, and Chris Brown, who is on the other side of the garage,” Bird stated. “These are people that I’ve worked with over the last 11 years.” He emphasized that their expertise was a key factor in the team’s success, noting they were “employed by NEOM McLaren for a reason – and that’s because they’re the best at what they do.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Ahead of his second season with the team, Bird welcomed Taylor Barnard, promoted from Reserve and Development Driver. The veteran driver embraced a mentoring role, guiding the young racer who quickly established himself as a formidable force in Season 11. Bird proudly described Barnard as “a revelation,” adding, “In my eyes, and probably in most people’s eyes, he’s been the most impressive rookie in Formula E’s short history so far.” He further highlighted Barnard’s raw pace and fearless racing style, acknowledging that the newcomer had “ruffled some feathers” but ultimately “does his job brilliantly.”
A Historic Victory in São Paulo
Season 10 marked a pivotal moment for both Bird and McLaren, as he secured the team’s first-ever victory in an all-electric series at São Paulo. The dramatic last-lap win was Bird’s 12th in Formula E and a significant milestone for the team. “It felt phenomenal,” he recalled. “I think at the time, you don’t realise quite what you did and how big a moment that was, because I’ve won with many different teams. But it was important for me to get a win, and to do it first for such a massive team.”
Despite falling short of a second win, the team achieved seven other podium finishes over three years, with five coming from Barnard in the most recent season. Bird acknowledged the team’s potential, stating, “I think Taylor deserved a win, and I think from my side of the garage, we deserved more of these trophies.” He emphasized that the São Paulo victory belonged to everyone involved, stating, “This wasn’t just my win, it was everybody’s.”
An Uncertain Future, Lasting Memories
As NEOM McLaren prepares to depart Formula E, Bird’s future in the series is unclear. While he hasn’t ruled out continuing his racing career, he reflected on his 11 years in the championship with fondness. “Well, hopefully I’m not done yet,” he said. “I’m not saying that I’m done yet. So far, it’s been an incredible journey. There’s been 11 great years, 12 wins, and 27 podiums, it’s been a brilliant journey.” He credited Formula E with revitalizing his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete with three highly respected teams.
Bird highlighted the emotional rollercoaster of his time in Formula E, filled with “friends, laughter, tears, challenging times, and euphoric times.” He singled out the São Paulo victory as a particularly memorable moment, a testament to the team’s ability to overcome adversity. “That race in Brazil was challenging, in how we were able to overcome the odds and win,” he said. “I think that will stand the test of time for most people within this team.”
A Lasting Impact at McLaren
Despite the challenges, Bird emphasized the invaluable lessons learned during his time with NEOM McLaren. “I’ve learned more about the spirit of racing and what it means to put your heart and soul into a project, as every single individual here does,” he explained. He praised the team’s professionalism and dedication, noting, “I’ve never seen such professionalism as what I’ve seen at this race team – the amount of hard work and effort that goes into every single race.”
Ultimately, Bird expressed immense pride in having represented McLaren, stating, “Racing for McLaren was always an ambition of mine, and I’m super happy to have been able to do that. You never know, there might be opportunities in the future, but I’ve loved being able to wear these colours. What an incredible name to have on my jersey. I’ve worn it with pride. I’ve given my all for the team, and I will always hold McLaren in the highest regard.”
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