Sunday, 26 May 2024

Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Jake Hughes, Sam Bird, and Team Principal Ian James after Round 12 in Shanghai.

Free Practice 3	1:13.668	P6
Qualifying	1:13.921	P1
Race		P2

“I am absolutely buzzing with my first podium in Formula E and my first podium with NEOM McLaren. I started off the day very well, securing my fourth Pole Position in Formula E, my second this season.

“It’s been an unbelievable day and a great recovery after a difficult day yesterday. The team have done an incredible job all season, especially during this tough period of eight races in just over eight weeks. It’s been great to be able to reward them for all their efforts like this. I know we’ll sleep well tonight and be ready for Portland in a month's time.”

Free Practice 3	1:14.491	P20
Qualifying	1:14.725	P11
Race		DNF

“That’s a wrap here in Shanghai. Although it’s great to be back in the car and great to know that my hand can tackle racing at a tricky and demanding circuit, it was a bit wounding to come away with no points on my side of the garage.

“However, I couldn’t be more proud of Jake who secured his first podium in Formula E with a great second place – he was awesome and on it all day. I’m very happy and proud of everyone at NEOM McLaren. Everyone has a smile on their face. We’ll be pushing ahead to Portland.”

“What a difference a day makes…

“After yesterday, the team as a whole needed to reset to ensure that we came into today’s event with a different approach. It speaks to the calibre of the team that we have been able to achieve just that – recognising where the gaps were in our process and adapting accordingly. Jake’s strong single-lap performance continued, taking him through the qualifying stages to secure Pole Position, albeit by the slimmest of margins.

“The race itself was superbly managed by Jake and he held off some strong competition to achieve a long-awaited, but very well deserved, first Formula E podium. I know that this will give him the confidence he needs to take the fight forward to the final four races of the season.

“Unfortunately for Sam, a DNF concluded a frustrating weekend. However, it’s good to have him back in the car and we can now shift our focus to Portland.

“As a team, we’ve moved in the right direction today, but know that there is a huge amount still to do in order to get us in a position to meet our own expectations.”

Championship Standings

NEOM McLaren Formula E Team: P6 (89 points)

Jake Hughes: P10 (46 points)

Sam Bird: P12 (38 points)

Taylor Barnard: P22 (5 points)