British driver Taylor Barnard, the youngest competitor in Formula E history to take part in an E-Prix, will join DS PENSKE for the upcoming Season 12 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. Barnard, 21, has achieved five podium finishes and two pole positions in just 19 career races, and will race alongside Maximilian Günther in the DS E-TENSE FE25.
Barnard, who made his debut in Monaco 2024 and has since claimed points in Berlin 2024, a podium in Sao Paulo 2025, and a pole position in Jeddah 2025, will bring his aggressive driving style and overtaking skills to DS PENSKE. The team expects him to leverage the DS E-TENSE FE25’s performance to compete for podiums and highlight DS Automobiles’ electric technology on circuits worldwide.
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DS Performance director Eugenio Franzetti praised Barnard’s potential, noting, “We are delighted to welcome Formula E’s young prodigy into our team! His youth, talent, and motivation will be essential qualities to help him bag some podiums and get in among the leaders of this new season.”
Franzetti also thanked Jean-Eric Vergne, the sport’s only two-time champion, for his contribution over eight seasons, during which the partnership yielded two teams’ titles, one drivers’ title, six wins, 25 podiums, and 11 pole positions.
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Barnard expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating that he is ready to continue his progression and compete at the front. Günther, entering his second season with DS PENSKE, welcomed Barnard as his teammate, highlighting the young driver’s talent and the team’s strong spirit.
The official pre-season tests for Season 12 are scheduled in Valencia, Spain, from 27-31 October, with the season opening race set for 6 December in Sao Paulo, Brazil.