Young British racing sensation Taylor Barnard is setting his sights even higher after a spectacular debut year in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The 21-year-old, who is no longer the youngest driver on the grid, has made a high-profile switch from NEOM McLaren to the DS Penske squad for the ongoing Season 12, partnering with Maximilian Guenther.
Barnard Shares a Look Back at a Memorable 2025
As he embarks on this new chapter, Barnard recently took a nostalgic look at his breakthrough season. The driver posted a collection of images from 2025 on his Instagram, captioning the gallery "Best of 2025" and adding a saluting emoji. The post resonated strongly with his fanbase, who flooded the comments with praise and encouragement for his future.
One supporter highlighted his journey, writing, "From papaya to golden, you've achieved so much this year, Tay! Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise." Another fan noted, "It has been a year full of changes, from that farewell in July to a golden return in September. I hope that 2026 will be a year of new goals."
No More "Rookie" Excuses: Barnard's Championship Mindset
The move to DS Penske came about after his former team, NEOM McLaren, exited the all-electric racing series. Barnard, who replaced the experienced Jean-Eric Vergne, is now focused on converting his rookie promise into consistent title-challenging performances.
In a conversation with Sports Gazette, Barnard laid out his clear ambitions for his second full season. "This year, I don’t have the excuse of being a rookie," he stated firmly. "I don’t want to be making any mistakes. I was a little unlucky last year in some situations. So to put all of these things right, to put myself in a position where you cannot be unlucky, that’s definitely my goal."
He concluded with a clear target: "And if I cannot be the champion, I definitely want to be there at the end of the season in the top three, fighting for it."
A Foundation Built on Impressive Results
Barnard's confidence is built on a genuinely impressive foundation. In his rookie campaign with NEOM McLaren, he amassed 112 points and secured a remarkable fourth-place finish in the final Drivers' Championship standings. His season was highlighted by five podium finishes and two pole positions, showcasing both speed and racecraft.
The start of his tenure with DS Penske, however, has been challenging. His debut race for the team concluded with a 13th-place finish, a result he will be eager to improve upon as the season progresses. With his rookie status behind him and a top team beneath him, all eyes are on Taylor Barnard to see if he can transform his potential into a championship challenge.
