Bird will compete alongside Jake Hughes, who extended his stay at the outfit last week and will be entering his second season for the team.
Brit Bird has raced in Formula E since the very first campaign and Season 1. The 36-year-old is one of the most successful drivers on the grid, claiming 11 wins, 26 podium places and six Julius Baer Pole Positions over the course of those nine seasons. He left Jaguar TCS Racing after a three-season spell at the end of 2022/23, and says his move to McLaren - one of the most recognisable and successful names in motorsport history - is a "special" one.
“I'm super excited to get going with the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team," says Bird. "Becoming part of a team with so much heritage and prestige as the McLaren Racing family feels special. We know there is some work to do ahead of Season 10, to ensure we get to where we want to be, which is at the front of the Formula E pack. It feels great to be part of the team and I can't wait to kick off the season preparations, I'm super motivated and driven to deliver success with the team in Season 10.”
Bird began his single seater racing career in Formula BMW in 2004, coming runner up in the series in 2005. He has competed in Formula Renault, and various Formula 3 and GP2 Series seasons, before holding a number of Formula 1 roles, including roles with Williams Racing and Mercedes AMG Petronas.
Since 2014, he has also competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Highlights including winning the LMP2 class in 2014 with G-Drive Racing and finishing second in the LMGTE Pro class with AF Corse in 2016.
James: 'Sam's a proven force'
“It's great to be able to share the news that Sam will be joining the team for Season 10, alongside Jake," says Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. "Sam is a proven force in Formula E, as well as other categories of racing, and his experience and determination will fuel the team ahead of an exciting season to come.
"As soon as the deal was done, his first question to me was when he could come into the office to start the preparations for Season 10 - this clearly shows his hunger and commitment to making Season 10 a success for the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Having both Sam and Jake on board has already instilled confidence in the team.”
Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, adds: “It is a pleasure to welcome Sam to the McLaren Racing family. Throughout his time in Formula E, Sam has proven himself to be an impressive talent, and we are eager to leverage his experience and expertise to help bring the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team further success in Season 10. Alongside Jake, I’m confident that we have one of the strongest pairings on the Formula E grid. Bring on Season 10!”