McLaren’s Sam Bird is set to make his comeback in Formula E this weekend at the Shanghai E-Prix double-header after recovering from a broken hand.
Sam Bird, the 37-year-old British driver for McLaren, is set to make his highly anticipated return to Formula E this weekend at the Shanghai E-Prix double-header. Bird has been sidelined since early May due to a broken hand sustained during a practice crash ahead of the Monaco E-Prix.
The incident occurred at Sainte Devote when Bird went into the run-off area, leaving his hands on the wheel as his car collided with the barrier, resulting in a broken bone in his left hand. This injury immediately ruled him out of further competition in Monte Carlo and forced him to miss the subsequent round in Berlin, although he still supported the team by attending the double-header event.
Following the Monaco mishap, Bird returned to the UK for surgery on his hand—the same one he injured during the London race in 2022, which also required an operation and kept him out of the season finale in Seoul. Despite the setback, Bird remained committed to his recovery and completed simulator sessions with McLaren last week.
On Monday, McLaren confirmed that Bird is now “fighting fit” and ready for the upcoming races in China. Team principal Ian James expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We’re very pleased to have Sam back in the car for the Shanghai E-Prix. Sam has shown impressive dedication to his recovery, and after a successful operation, he has been able to complete his normal simulator sessions. As a result, both Sam and the team are confident he is fighting fit for the race in Shanghai. We are looking forward to seeing Sam back on track.”
Earlier this season, Bird made headlines by securing McLaren’s first Formula E victory in Sao Paulo. During his absence, Taylor Barnard stepped in, making history as the youngest starter in Formula E at just 19 years old when he debuted in Monaco. Despite the last-minute call-up, Barnard finished his first race in 14th place and went on to achieve double points finishes in Berlin, securing 10th and 8th places.
Barnard, a finalist for the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award last year, will continue to serve as McLaren’s reserve driver alongside his Formula 2 campaign, which has yet to yield points.
As Bird returns to the grid, fans and the McLaren team alike are eager to see him back in action and continuing his competitive streak in Shanghai.
