The Japanese team has announced Sam Bird as a reserve and development driver for the 2025/26 season
Image: Disclosure/Formula E
Nissan announced this Thursday (12) that Sam Bird will join the team as a reserve and development driver for the twelfth season of Formula E. The Briton will develop both the GEN3 EVO and GEN4, scheduled for 2027.
Bird, considered one of the most experienced drivers on the grid, joined Formula E in the category’s debut in 2014, with 144 races, 27 podiums and 12 victories under his belt, driving for the Envision Virgin Racing, Jaguar and McLaren teams. Bird spent his last stint at NEOM McLaren, and achieved his last victory in the 2024 Sao Paulo ePrix, during the tenth season.
Bird commented in an official statement, saying:
“I’m very excited to be joining the Nissan Formula E Team… I’ve worked closely with Nissan over the past two seasons, so I feel prepared because I know Nissan’s Formula E powertrain very well.”
“I have a great relationship with both Ollie (Rowland) and Norman (NATO), who are two drivers I respect a lot.”
“I will help them in every way possible on the right track and contribute to the development of the current GEN3 Evo and future GEN4. The knowledge I have gained over the past two years will allow me to jump straight into the simulator and provide immediate feedback, supporting the team so they can build on the recent success of Season 11.”
Tommaso Volpi, Nissan General Manager and Team Director, praised the driver and stressed that he will be essential in the development of the GEN4 car, as Bird has achieved victories in all three generations of cars in the championship.
“We are delighted to welcome Sam as our reserve and development driver for Season 12. He is one of the most experienced and successful drivers in the championship and has raced with our engine for the past two seasons, so there is no doubt that he will be a great addition to the team.”
“He will play an important role as we look to remain in contention for pole position next season while also preparing for GEN4.”
Nissan has not yet commented on the status of Sergio Sette Camara, the team’s reserve driver until then, but expectations indicate that the Brazilian will not remain in his position for next season. The appointment of Sam Bird signals an internal reorganization of the team’s sporting program and reinforces the manufacturer’s commitment to an experienced name to accelerate the development of the GEN4 project.
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