Sam Bird withdraws from Monaco E-Prix

Taylor Barnard, who is driving this season in Formula 2, should replace it, if the FIA ​​gives its agreement. Barnard is the reserve and development driver of McLaren, and took part in the “Free Practice 0” session in Misano, a session reserved for beginners, where he achieved the best time.

Sam Bird made a mistake when arriving at the Sainte-Dévote bend, blocking his right front wheel. Having entered the loophole, he was unable to avoid hitting the wall of tires, and the rapid rotation of the steering wheel caused a fracture in his hand, confirmed by the Formula E. McLaren specifies for its part that Bird went to the hospital to obtain more details on the nature of the injury.

Encouraging debut for Bird at McLaren… until Monaco

“The McLaren team can confirm that Sam Bird will not participate following the Monaco E-Prix. Following an incident on track, there are signs of a hand injury, which requires further treatment. Sam went to the hospital for x-rays to clarify the nature of the injury. As a result, and pending FIA approval, Taylor Barnard will replace Sam for the remainder of the event, driving the #8 car.

The team is already preparing the #8 car in time for FP2 to repair the damage. New information will be communicated by the team as soon as it becomes available. »

Sam Bird joined the McLaren team this season and won the Sao Paulo E-Prix, his first victory in Formula E since 2021, when he drove for Jaguar. His former teammate Mitch Evans (Jaguar) set the best time in the first practice session, ahead of Robin Frijns (Envision) and Nick Cassidy (Jaguar).

The second free practice session ends at 9:45 a.m.

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YELLOW FLAG 🟡

Sam Bird locks up and is in the wall at Sainte Dévote, ending his session ❌#MonacoEPrice pic.twitter.com/gYUXfJpIjn

— Formula E (@FIAFormulaE) April 27, 2024