11/07/2025 14:21
Sam Bird has issued a clear message that he is "not ready to
retire" from Formula E, having suddenly found himself involved in
'silly season'. The FE veteran finds himself searching for a new
team after McLaren team principal Ian James failed to secure a new
investor to save the Bicester-based outfit. It has resulted in the
entire squad entering the job market, including Bird. According to
The Race , McLaren sensation Taylor Barnard has already been
snapped up by the Penske organisation. McLaren's employees were
informed of the saddening news last week, with a clear target being
set for its final four races on the grid, starting with this
weekend's Berlin E-Prix. "So, we got the news last week," Bird told
RacingNews365 . "Yeah, very disappointing. "But, we've got four
races left in the year to try and do something really special and
finish in the top three in both the teams' and the drivers'
[titles] with Taylor, and that's the goal." With the FE season
concluding in just over a fortnight, it has left Bird in the most
precarious position of his career in the all-electric series. He is
eager for the current campaign to not be his last, but is aware it
could become a real possibility. "I hope not. I really hope not,"
noted Bird. "But as I said, right now the focus is on these four
races." Bird eager to continue Following the confirmation that the
McLaren team would not be saved, Bird has activated his search for
a seat on next season's grid. However, given the timing of his
search commencing, the 38-year-old is wary several seats have
already been filled. "Look, the news hit everybody later on in the
week, last week, and of course, I'm having to try and pick up the
phone now," the veteran added. "It's very late in the day to try
and make something happen, as I think other people have made calls
a lot earlier, and the driver merry-go-round happened a long time
ago." Whilst Bird is aware the odds are against him, the 12-time FE
race winner is certain he is not ready to retire from the
championship. When asked if his experience could give him an edge
in the driver market, Bird replied: Yeah, I hope so. Look, I'm not
ready to retire yet. "I want to retire when I'm good and ready to
retire, and that's certainly not me yet. So it is stressful to
think that this could be the last four races, but I'll do my best
and see what happens."
