Bird joins Nissan Formula E team as reserve and development driver

Sam Bird will remain involved in Formula E this season as reserve and development driver for Nissan.

The 12-time race winner raced in the all-electric series from the very first season until the end of the most recent campaign, missing just seven rounds across those 11 seasons. But following McLaren's exit from the category at the end of last season, he was left without a race drive for the first time.

Bird joins the factory Nissan team – which has Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato as its designated race drivers – having raced with the powertrain for McLaren in the last two seasons, claiming the team’s sole Formula E win in Brazil in the 2023-24 season. It was also the only win for a customer Nissan team in Formula E.

“I’m extremely happy to be joining Nissan Formula E team as the reserve and development driver for the 2025-26 campaign,” said Bird. “I’ve worked closely with Nissan over the past two seasons, so I feel prepared as I know the Nissan Formula E powertrain well.

“I’ve got a great relationship with both Oli and Norman and they are two drivers I respect very highly. I’ll help them in any way possible trackside and by aiding to further develop the current GEN3 Evo and future GEN4 car.

“The knowledge I have built up over the last two years will mean I can jump straight into the simulator and give feedback instantly, supporting the squad to build on its recent success in Season 11.”

While now best known as one of Formula E's most accomplished drivers, he is no stranger to test and development work. He previously held a similar role at the Mercedes Formula 1 team for four years, working alongside Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

At Nissan, Bird will complement reigning champion Rowland and Nato, as well as rookie and simulator driver Abbi Pulling, working not just on the current GEN3 Evo car as well as the development of the GEN4 car which will debut next year.

“We’re very happy to welcome Sam as our reserve and development driver for Season 12,” said Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team. “He is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the championship and has competed with our powertrain for the past two seasons, so there was really no question that he would be a great fit for the team.

“He will play an important role as we look to keep consistently fighting at the top in the upcoming campaign while we get ready for GEN4.”