Sam Bird has made his recovery to make his FIA Formula E return for this weekend’s Shanghai EPrix with McLaren Racing.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team is pleased to confirm that Sam Bird will be making his competitive return at the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix, taking place later this week. Since incurring an injury during the Monaco E-Prix, on 27 April 2024, Sam and the team have been working on his recovery and return. Following a successful surgery to his left hand, roughly three weeks ago, he has been making a swift recovery.
As a result, Sam will be returning to the grid in Shanghai. During Sam’s absence, Taylor Barnard filled in for the absent Englishman, driving the remainder of the Monaco E-Prix sessions, as well as driving the #8 car for the team during the Berlin E-Prix. The team’s Reserve and Development Driver managed to finish in the points during both races in Berlin, with a best result of P8 after an impressive drive – becoming the youngest-ever driver to compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, as well as becoming the youngest-ever points-scorer in the World Championship.
The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will be in action later this week for rounds 11 and 12 of Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the Shanghai E-Prix, on 25 & 26 May 2024.
Ian James, Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team & Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing, said: “We’re very pleased to have Sam back in the car for the Shanghai E-Prix. Sam has shown an impressive dedication to his recovery and, after a successful operation, he has been able to complete his normal simulator sessions. As a result, both Sam and the team are confident he is fighting fit for the race in Shanghai. We are looking forward to seeing Sam back on track.”
[Note: The story is as per press release]