Taylor Barnard Impresses with Podium and Points Haul in Shanghai Formula E Double-Header

NEOM McLaren rookie Taylor Barnard continued his eye-catching debut Formula E season with an outstanding weekend in Shanghai, delivering a podium finish in Round 10 and a gritty points-scoring drive in Round 11. The double-header marked another leap forward in the young Briton’s rapid rise through the all-electric championship.

Round 10 – Breakthrough Podium and Blistering Pace

Saturday’s race saw Barnard line up on the front row after an impressive qualifying performance, narrowly missing out on pole position to Maximilian Günther of DS Penske. From the outset, Barnard looked comfortable among the front-runners, carefully managing his energy and timing his overtakes with precision.

Despite fierce competition and several lead changes throughout the race, Barnard remained composed under pressure. His consistency paid off as he crossed the line in third place, securing his fifth podium of the season. He also clocked the fastest lap of the race, highlighting the pace potential of both car and driver over a single lap.

Speaking after the race, Barnard reflected modestly on the result:

“I need to go back and watch the race to really understand how it unfolded. It was a bit of a whirlwind in the cockpit, but I’m proud of the team and what we achieved today.”

The podium was made even more special by the timing—it came just one day before Barnard’s 21st birthday, a milestone he celebrated with silverware in hand.

Round 11 – Wet Weather Masterclass

Sunday’s race brought a completely different challenge, with rain affecting conditions in the lead-up and during the early stages. Starting from 14th on the grid after a tricky qualifying session, Barnard showed maturity beyond his years in navigating the slick Shanghai circuit.

While others faltered in the changing conditions, Barnard remained steady and calculated. Making up positions throughout the race, he broke into the top ten in the closing stages, ultimately finishing 10th and adding another championship point to his tally.

It was a drive that may not have grabbed headlines, but it demonstrated the consistency and racecraft required to succeed across a full Formula E season.

A Season of Rising Momentum

After the Shanghai weekend, Barnard sits fourth in the drivers’ standings—an incredible achievement given it is his first year in the series. With five podium finishes and regular appearances in the top ten, he has quickly become one of the standout rookies of 2025.

NEOM McLaren has equally benefited from Barnard’s form, as the team continues to challenge for strong results in both team and driver championships.

As the season moves toward its final stages, Barnard will look to carry this momentum forward, with upcoming races offering more opportunities to close the gap to the championship leaders.

Article by Isaac Hales (JH Media Management)