NEOM McLaren’s Sam Bird acknowledges that the team’s first victory in FIA Formula E hasn’t fully registered yet. Bird’s thrilling win at the Sao Paulo E-Prix solidifies McLaren’s success in yet another major motor racing category. Bird expresses his delight for himself and the entire McLaren team, highlighting the significance of their achievement. The team was established from scratch at the start of Season 9, and after facing challenges in the previous season, they set goals for improvement. One of these goals was to achieve more podium finishes than the previous year, and Bird believes that their progress over the past few months has been evident. Despite the historical milestone for McLaren, Bird admits that it hasn’t fully sunk in yet and emphasizes the importance of appreciating the team’s accomplishments.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Tokyo E-Prix, Bird expresses his immense excitement for the race and the opportunity to compete on a brand new street circuit. Tokyo holds a special place in Bird’s heart as one of his favorite cities. Having raced in Japan multiple times before, including victories in Fuji and Formula 1 duties in Suzuka, Bird has experienced the passion and enthusiasm of Japanese fans firsthand. He acknowledges the different atmosphere compared to Brazil, where the crowd creates a lively and energetic ambiance. In Japan, the fans are known for their deep involvement and love for the sport. Bird eagerly anticipates the challenge of the intense and potentially bumpy track in Tokyo, and he appreciates the chance to explore new venues with Formula E. He concludes by expressing his excitement to visit Japan and participate in the Tokyo E-Prix.