NEOM McLaren team principal Ian James believes that Sam Bird’s arrival from Jaguar has had an immediate positive impact on the team in the current ABB Formula E season. Bird, one of the most experienced drivers in the history of the all-electric series, has quickly helped the team adapt to the nuances of racing in Formula E’s third generation of cars. McLaren, previously known as Mercedes’ factory outfit, won two championships in the previous generation. James emphasizes that Bird’s openness and experience were key factors in bringing him into the team. The transition from Gen2 to Gen3 has required a shift in race approach, and Bird has quickly grasped and communicated this to the engineers. James also notes that Bird’s knowledge has benefited McLaren’s second-year driver, Jake Dennis. Both drivers have become integral parts of the team, working together and pushing the operation forward. McLaren’s performance in the first three races of the season has shown promising results. The team has maintained its strong single-lap pace from last year and has also made improvements in overall race management. James attributes this improvement to the input and collaboration between Bird, Dennis, and the team. The success of this integration will be crucial for McLaren’s future success.
According to the Source racer.com