2024 Portland E-Prix II report

Sunday, 30 June 2024

Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes, Sam Bird, and Team Principal Ian James after Round 14 in Portland.

“Our weekend in Portland is done and dusted. It’s been a very frustrating day when we had such a strong start in Qualifying and lined up third on the grid. To then get wiped out during the race through no fault of my own was very hard to swallow.  

“I want to thank the whole team for giving us a strong car this weekend, and it’s a shame we didn’t get more points to show for it. I'm looking forward to rounding off the season in London.” 

“Overall, this weekend hasn’t been a positive one from a points-scoring point of view, but very positive from a teamwork point of view. We often mention performance rather than result and in fluid races such as these, you have to maintain that mantra. We performed well in Qualifying, the car was also very good during the race too – it's just a shame both of my races were curtailed. Unfortunately, there’s not much more I could’ve done.  

“We can take the positives going into London – the car was good and the team are performing well. I’m looking forward to my home race.” 

“After a solid qualifying performance from both drivers, to then have to retire both cars is a very bitter pill to swallow. The preparation for, and execution of, this event by the team has been faultless. Therefore, we can’t dwell on our frustration, but dust ourselves down and prepare for the final two races in London. We need to be laser-focussed on ensuring that we end this season on a high.” 

Championship Standings

NEOM McLaren Formula E Team: P6 (95 points)  

Jake Hughes: P11 (46 points)  

Sam Bird: P13 (44 points)

Taylor Barnard: P22 (5 points)