YOKOHAMA, Japan – Nissan Formula E Team has confirmed that Sam Bird will take on the role of reserve and development driver for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, bringing his wealth of experience and technical expertise to the team.
A fixture on the Formula E grid since the series’ inaugural season in 2014, Bird has established himself as one of the championship’s most consistent and accomplished drivers. Over 144 races, he has scored 27 podiums and 12 victories, placing him fourth on the all-time Formula E wins list. Bird’s remarkable career includes victories across all three generations of Formula E cars, with his first triumph coming in just the second-ever race in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Most recently, he celebrated victory at São Paulo in Season 10 (2023/24), driving the Nissan e-4ORCE 04 for NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, a former Nissan customer outfit.
Bird’s appointment is expected to strengthen Nissan Formula E Team’s performance both on and off the track. His in-depth knowledge of the Nissan powertrain will prove invaluable as he supports drivers Oliver Rowland, Norman Nato, and Abbi Pulling while contributing to the development of both the current GEN3 Evo and the upcoming GEN4 machinery.
Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal of Nissan Formula E Team, commented: “We’re very happy 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 competed with our powertrain for the past two seasons, so there was really no question that he would be a great fit for the team. He will play an important role as we look to keep consistently fighting at the top in the upcoming campaign while we get ready for GEN4.”
Bird himself expressed enthusiasm for the new challenge: “I’m extremely happy to be joining Nissan Formula E Team as the reserve and development driver for the 2025/26 campaign. I’ve worked closely with Nissan over the past two seasons, so I feel prepared as I know the Nissan Formula E powertrain well. I’ve got a great relationship with both Oli and Norman, and they are two drivers I respect very highly. I’ll help them in any way possible trackside and by aiding to further develop the current GEN3 Evo and future GEN4 car. The knowledge I have built up over the last two years will mean I can jump straight into the simulator and give feedback instantly, supporting the squad to build on its recent success in Season 11.”
As Nissan Formula E Team prepares for the challenges of Season 12, Bird’s technical insight and extensive racing pedigree are set to be key assets, ensuring that the team continues its upward trajectory in the championship and maximises the potential of its GEN4 programme.
