Early career
Barnard, from Norwich, England, began karting in 2012 and soon progressed through the ranks, eventually winning the Super 1 National Championship in 2017. The following years saw the Brit make his mark on the European stage, supported by Formula One World Champion, Nico Rosberg.
The 22-year-old entered single-seater racing in 2020. Since then, he has become the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 runner-up and the 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship runner-up. In 2023, during his debut season in FIA Formula 3, he took his maiden victory in the championship at Spa-Francorchamps and finished the season 10th in the Drivers’ Standings. Moving up to FIA Formula 2 for the 2024 season, the young Brit showcased his street circuit skills with a Sprint Race victory in Monaco - experience that would stand him in good stead for his future Formula E career.
Taylor got his first taste of all-electric machinery in October 2023, participating in the 2023/24 pre-season rookie test for NEOM McLaren Formula E Team. Following his impressive test debut, Barnard joined the team as a Reserve and Development Driver.
Formula E | 2024-26
His Formula E race debut came a lot sooner than many expected, with Barnard getting a last minute call up at the 2024 Monaco E-Prix to replace Sam Bird, who sustained a hand injury during Free Practice One. This sink or swim moment was a huge learning curve for the young Brit, who ended his first E-Prix in 14th place, gaining eight places in the process and finishing ahead of his teammate.
Barnard was called up to replace Bird again in Berlin. Showcasing his abilities behind-the-wheel of the famous papaya liveried car, he scored points in both legs of the double-header, finishing 10th and eighth in the German capital.
These performances saw the NEOM McLaren squad offer Barnard a full-time drive, alongside Sam Bird for the 2024/25 season - and the young Brit did not disappoint. His first full-time drive in Formula E started with a hard-fought third in São Paulo, becoming the youngest podium finisher in the all-electric series. He then added to this with further rostrum visits in Jeddah, Tokyo and Shanghai. His first full year saw him fully integrated in the championship fight, ending the season with fourth overall.
Following NEOM McLaren’s decision to exit the championship at the end of the 2024/25 season, Barnard's performances made him a hot property on the driver market. A highly coveted signature, he joined DS PENSKE for the 2025/26 campaign, sporting black and gold alongside Maximilian Günther.
The Brit’s season with DS PENSKE was far from straightforward, with several hiccups along the way and a tough middle stretch of the year as the team fought to find consistency. However, the best was yet to come, and at the London E-Prix - the final race of the GEN3 era - Barnard claimed his first Formula E victory in front of his home crowd.
Starting 6th on the grid, Barnard managed his energy and ATTACK MODE activations perfectly, executing a late overtake on Nyck de Vries to take the win - and write his name in the Formula E record books (once again) as the youngest race winner in the championship history books.
Taylor Barnard joins Fortescue Zero Racing for the 2026/27 Formula E season - the first of the GEN4 era.