Taylor Barnard replaces Jean-Éric Vergne at DS Penske in Formula E

An open secret. Expected for several months, the announcement of Taylor Barnard's arrival at DS Penske finally came this Monday morning! The Briton will become Maximilian Günther's teammate starting in season 12 (2025-2026), replacing Frenchman Jean-Éric Vergne.

“I am delighted to be joining DS Penske for season 12. The team has a strong track record in Formula E and I look forward to working alongside Maximilian to achieve excellent results., rejoices Taylor Barnard. Formula E is a unique championship; I feel ready to continue my momentum and fight at the front!”

Youngest winner in Formula E history in Monaco last season, in his rookie year with McLarenTaylor Barnard suffered the consequences of the Papaya team's early departure. Lacking a buyer, the structure received the majority of its funding from the PIF, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, with 925 billion to its name, and from NEOM, a project of futuristic cities in the middle of the Saudi desert. His departure will reduce the grid for season 12 to 20 cars instead of 22, already reduced compared to the 24 available since the departure of the Audi factory team in 2021.

“Having Taylor as our new teammate is fantastic. He’s a brilliant driver who will strengthen our team., comments his future teammate Maximilian Günther. I'm looking forward to my second season as a DS Penske driver. Our first season together was marked by many highlights, marked by performance and rigor. I'm now eager to continue this momentum. There's an incredible spirit driving the whole team and I can't wait for the season to begin!

Jean-Éric Vergne fired by DS Penske... heading for a move to Citroën?

“We are delighted to welcome the FE prodigy to our team! His youth, talent and motivation will be essential qualities to conquer podiums and be among the leaders of this new season! I am certain that he will form a very effective duo with Max and that he will be able to get the most out of the performance of our DS E-TENSE FE25,” anticipates Eugenio Franzetti, director of DS Performance, who also had to address the departure of Jean-Éric Vergne, who joined DS Virgin Racing ten years ago.

"I would like to thank the only two-time FE champion with whom we had the great pleasure of working for eight seasons. Jean-Éric's commitment and expertise have contributed to our brand's magnificent track record., concludes Franzetti. It is certain that this very fruitful collaboration between JEV and DS Automobiles has marked the history of FE!”

The Pontoise native is expected to join Citroën, which will return to competition next season, replacing Maserati, another Stellantis brand. The Formula E grid puzzle is gradually taking shape during pre-season testing in Valencia, from October 27 to 31, before the season kicks off in São Paulo on December 6.

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