DS Penske confirms Barnard signing

DS Penske has announced the signing of Taylor Barnard for the upcoming Formula E season, where he will partner Maximilian Guenther.

The long-rumored move comes after the departure of NEOM McLaren from the series, with whom Barnard drove for last season in what was a standout rookie campaign.

“I’m delighted to join DS Penske for Season 12,” said Barnard. “The team has solid experience in Formula E and I can’t wait to get working alongside Max to go after some top results! Formula E is a unique competition; I feel ready now to continue on this trajectory I’ve started and fight at the front!”

After stepping in for Sam Bird at the 2024 Monaco and Berlin E-Prix while serving as the team’s reserve and development driver, Barnard secured five podium finishes and two pole positions. Already the youngest driver in Formula E history, his maiden podium in Sao Paulo and pole at the Jeddah E-Prix made him the youngest to achieve both milestones, too.

Barnard enjoyed a standout season with McLaren. Joe Portlock/Getty Images

“We are delighted to welcome Formula E’s young prodigy into our team,” said DS Performance director Eugenio Franzetti. “His youth, talent, and motivation will be essential qualities to help him bag some podiums and get in among the leaders of this new season that’s about to begin. I’m sure that he’ll form a great team with Max and be able to get the very most out of our DS E-TENSE FE25.”

Guenther, meanwhile, will remain with the team for a second season. After two years with Maserati, the German moved over last season and won twice, including leading a historic one-two finish for the team in Shanghai.

“I am excited to enter my second season as a DS Penske driver,” said Guenther. “There were plenty of highlights in our first season together, which was characterised by quality and strong performances. Now I’m very much looking forward to building on this base in our second season.

“Having Taylor as my new teammate is fantastic; he is a brilliant driver and a great addition to our team. There’s an incredible spirit running through the whole team and I can’t wait to get the new season started.”

Barnard’s signing alongside Guenther means that Jean-Eric Vergne will move on from the team after three seasons – he previously spent four years with Techeetah during its spell as DS' works partner, and one with Virgin Racing when the French Brand was aligned with it.

Guenther and Vergne scored a one-two finish for DS Penske in the first Shanghai race last season. Simon Galloway/Getty Images

Vergne is expected to move along to Stellantis’ other team, Citroen Racing, which announced its entry last week in place of Maserati as title partner of the MSG operation. He is set to partner former Jaguar driver Nick Cassidy there.

“I would like to thank Formula E’s only double champion, with whom it has been an absolute pleasure to work throughout eight seasons,” said Franzetti. “Jean-Eric’s knowledge and commitment have made a huge contribution to everything that we have achieved as a brand.

“This incredibly productive collaboration between ‘Jev’ and DS Automobiles is sure to write an important chapter in the history of Formula E.”