This weekend marks the conclusion of Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with all 11 teams and 22 drivers taking to the streets of London for the Marvel Fantastic Four London e-Prix.

This year’s double-header will feature the pit-boost on the Saturday and the normal ATTACK MODE corner on the Sunday, as it has been for all double-headers this season so far.

As his rookie year in the Formula E Championship is drawing to a close, we caught up with NEOM McLaren’s Taylor Barnard to find out his thoughts on how his race craft has developed over the past 14 rounds.

“I’d say it’s been pretty successful even though there’s been a steep learning curve.”

– Taylor Barnard

With impressive performances at the beginning of the season, he went on to add:

“I would say probably energy management was the biggest learning curve rather than race craft.”

Heading into the final two rounds, Barnard sits third in the Drivers’ Standings, with his sights set on a positive performance around the Excel Centre.

“I mean, considering it’s my rookie season, [it] feels pretty good.” 

He later added that he “hopes to improve to second” but if he “can solidify top three in the Championship that would be more than enough”.

This edition of the London e-Prix is the McLaren rookie’s first visit to such a unique track, we found out if he had done any research into previous editions of the round to prepare himself.

“It’s an odd one. It’s similar to Tokyo in terms of tarmac changes, elevation changes, which is tough for me to get used to.”

“I need to do my best to adapt to the circuit as fast as possible.”

– Taylor Barnard

We also caught up with Barnard’s compatriot and McLaren teammate, Sam Bird, on Friday.

With the London e-Prix moving to the Excel Arena from Season 7, we asked Bird what past moments at this specific circuit have been memorable for himself.

“Not breaking my hand, that was one of them.”

– Sam Bird

He further clarified, “It hasn’t been a memorable circuit for me here… never won here, never got a podium here.”

However, he seemed hopeful for this weekend, that he “can put that right this year, and then I can have a favourite race here.”

With the last 2 years seeing changing weather conditions causing chaos during racing and qualifying, we asked Sam Bird how drivers try to deal with the changing conditions and the additional challenge of the track moving inside and outside.

“It makes it challenging for sure, especially if it’s been wet outside and we then drag that wet inside. It becomes more and more slippery as the sessions go on.”

In April, it was confirmed that Season 11 would be the final season that the Papaya team would race in the Championship. 

When asked about his time with the McLaren team, Bird sang nothing but praise for his team.

“Super fun, amazing team, great people.”

– Sam Bird

He added that the team has “ a lot of ambition” and that “everybody will continue to work hard until Sunday night and then we’ll have a couple of drinks to celebrate”.