Shanghai, Sunday, 1 June

Hear from NEOM McLaren Formula E Team drivers Taylor Barnard and Sam Bird, and Team Principal Ian James after Sunday's Shanghai E-Prix II.

“We’ve completed the second race in Shanghai this weekend. It was not the race that any of us were hoping for, with the weather making track conditions difficult.  Qualifying was a challenge, which meant we started the race in P14, but I believe we got the absolute maximum out of the car.

“After yesterday’s podium, crossing the line in P10 and scoring only one point is not where I wanted to finish. Despite this, the team have done a great job to adapt to the changing conditions today and I’m happy to be able to add to our points tally.”

“Race 2 done here in Shanghai, and today we competed in very challenging conditions. Qualifying Group B, which both Taylor and I were in, was red flagged twice due to poor weather, which meant we ended up starting the race lower down the grid than we had hoped.

“Despite having a very good strategy, not many cars gained or lost positions during the race, so we finished in a similar position to where we started. The whole team did a good job this weekend and now we look forward to Jakarta.” 

“It was touch and go as to whether or not the race could take place today, due to the weather. With each session affected, starting positions would be critical and, as such, the changeable conditions, coupled with two red flags during Qualifying, saw us start on the back foot for the race. However, both drivers, together with the team, managed the race well.

“It’s on days like today that the bravery and skill of the drivers are tested to the limit – to come away with a single point seems like a meagre reward for their efforts. For now, we bid farewell to Shanghai and look forward to our next race in Jakarta!”