A former McLaren driver becomes a reserve and development driver for Nissan

From papaya to red, it's just a short step: Sam Bird trades in his jumpsuit McLaren for Nissan. The Briton had been without a team since the Woking-based manufacturer announced the end of its program at the end of last season in order to focus on theIndyCar, F1 and the beginnings of the commitment to Hypercar in 2027.

“I’m not saying my career is over. You never know, there might be opportunities to seize in the future, but I loved wearing these colors. It was an incredible adventure.” the 38-year-old pilot was enjoying it in August. " The Formula E It gave me a career when I thought mine was over. I loved being a part of it, seeing Formula E develop, being part of three different teams that I hold in high regard; I loved every minute of it.

Formula E has certainly repaid his affection, as Sam Bird has found a place in the series. Not as a full-time driver, of course, since the grid has been full for several weeks, but as a test and development driver for Nissan. "He is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the championship and has already used our engine for the past two seasons. It was therefore obvious that he would be a great asset to the team." assures Tommaso Volpe, Nissan's general manager and team leader. "He will play an important role in our desire to remain consistently at the top in the next campaign, while also preparing us for GEN4."

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Sam Bird is already familiar with the Nissan

For two years, Sam Bird did indeed race for McLaren, but the Woking team was a Nissan customer, who supplied them with Nissan e-4ORCE 04s. Thanks to his experience with the Japanese model, Bird will bring his expertise to Nissan. "I've worked closely with Nissan over the past two seasons, so I feel ready as I'm very familiar with Nissan's Formula E powertrain.", assures the Briton, who won his last victory in São Paulo during Season 10.

Sam Bird will assist the starters Oliver Rowland, the reigning world champion, and Norman Nato. "I have an excellent relationship with Oli and Norman, and they are two drivers I respect enormously," He continues. “I will help them as much as possible on the track and by contributing to the development of the current Evo GEN3 and the future GEN4. Thanks to the knowledge I have gained over the last two years, I will be able to immediately immerse myself in the simulator and provide instant feedback, allowing the team to capitalize on its recent successes in Season 11.”

Nissan finished third in the Teams standings during Season 11 and will be looking to dethrone Porsche This year.

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