P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sam Bird opened up on reading negative articles during his recent difficulties after winning the 2024 São Paulo E-Prix.
Sam Bird expressed gratitude toward negative media for providing him with “motivation,” following his impressive last-lap maneuver on former teammate Mitch Evans, resulting in his victory at the São Paulo E-Prix. This win, McLaren’s first in Formula E, marked Bird’s first triumph since the Season 7 New York E-Prix, making him the second-oldest driver to win in the all-electric series and positioning him just one victory shy of the all-time record. Despite facing adversity and negative media attention in recent seasons, Bird found this criticism to be a driving force in showcasing his ongoing competitiveness. Starting the race in fifth, Bird led for a significant portion before ultimately overtaking Evans on the final lap with a bold move into Turn 10. Reflecting on McLaren’s progress and partnership with Nissan, Bird emphasized the team’s collective efforts and determination to continuously improve and compete at the forefront in upcoming races. Despite these advancements, Bird remains cautious of labeling McLaren and Nissan as dark horses, acknowledging the formidable competition posed by teams like Jaguar and Porsche. Through hard work and collaboration, Bird and his team aim to build on their successes and challenge for victory in future races throughout the season.
