P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s picked a 20-year-old rookie as its next Formula E driver – something of a wildcard choice amid other teams’ caution towards newcomers
McLaren has chosen Taylor Barnard as their 2024 supersub to take over from Jake Hughes, who is headed to Maserati MSG, in an effort to bounce back from two disappointing Formula E seasons. Barnard, a Formula 2 race winner, will team up with Sam Bird next season aiming to match Hughes’ performance levels. The 20-year-old Barnard will become the youngest full-time driver in Formula E’s history when he debuts at the Sao Paulo E-Prix in December. After impressive substitute performances alongside Hughes, McLaren finalized a deal with Barnard in June for the 2025 season, forming a promising Bird-Barnard alliance. Barnard’s karting background and quick adaptation to Formula E have impressed many, solidifying McLaren’s decision to sign him.
