Sam Bird will drive for McLaren Formula E team next year

It has been up in the air and now all is final: Sam Bird will drive for the McLaren Formula E team next season. The Briton comes over from Jaguar, which decided to end the collaboration with Bird after three years. Bird is very experienced in the electric class, having completed nine seasons. In the past, the 36-year-old was a test driver for the Mercedes F1 team.

Team boss James says: "Sam is a proven force in Formula E, as well as other categories of racing, and his experience and determination will fuel the team ahead of an exciting season to come. As soon as the deal was done, his first question to me was when he could come into the office to start the preparations for season 10 – this clearly shows his hunger and commitment to making season 10 a success for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.”

The driver himself says: "Becoming part of a team with so much heritage and prestige as the McLaren Racing family feels special. We know there is some work to do ahead of Season 10, to ensure we get to where we want to be, which is at the front of the Formula E pack. It feels great to be part of the team and I can't wait to kick off the season preparations, I'm super motivated and driven to deliver success with the team in Season 10."