Futures put in doubt after McLaren opt to withdraw

MOTORSPORT

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THE futures of former Millfield pupil Sam Bird and McLaren Formula E teammate Taylor Barnard have been thrown into question following the decision by the constructor to withdraw from the series at the end of the season.

Although McLaren is committed to completing the current campaign, the decision has come following a strategic performance review as the constructor also competes at the highest levels of Formula 1 and IndyCar.

Barnard is currently fourth in the overall driver standings after picking up three podiums from the first five races of the season, with the young driver tipped to go far in Formula E in what is his first full season in the sport.

It’s been a difficult campaign so far for Bird, who has featured in every Formula E season since its inception and won McLaren’s first E Prix last season after arriving from Jaguar. This season, Bird has finished fourth and eighth, whilst also coming outside of the points in the other three races.