Electric Cars

Taylor Barnard, a prodigious talent in the world of electric motorsport, has successfully cemented his place in Formula E by signing with the new entity, Fortescue Zero Racing. This landmark agreement ensures his participation from the 2026-27 season, ushering in the Gen4 era of the championship.

Barnard Joins Fortescue Zero Racing for Gen4 Era

In a significant announcement on October 12, 2026, British racing sensation Taylor Barnard, at just 22 years old, confirmed his commitment to Fortescue Zero Racing. This marks a crucial turning point for Barnard, who found himself without a guaranteed seat after DS Automobiles' exit from Formula E and the subsequent acquisition of Penske by Fortescue. Despite this uncertainty, Barnard consistently maintained his ambition to remain within the all-electric racing series.

Barnard's journey in Formula E has been a narrative of highs and lows. His inaugural full season with McLaren was nothing short of spectacular, where he secured five podium finishes and a commendable fourth-place standing overall. However, McLaren's departure from the championship led him to DS Penske, where his sophomore year proved more arduous, yielding no podiums in the initial 16 races. Nevertheless, he concluded that season on a resounding note, clinching victory in the thrilling London finale, thereby becoming the youngest victor in Formula E history—a moment he proudly identifies as the pinnacle of his career.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Barnard stated, "I am incredibly thrilled to align with Fortescue Zero Racing and play a foundational role in building this team from the ground up. This is an emerging team with tremendous aspirations, and I am eager to help translate that ambition into tangible results on the track." He further emphasized Fortescue Zero's robust background in advanced electric technology, highlighting his desire to collaborate with the team to push the boundaries of this technology. "We recognize the substantial effort that lies ahead, but that is precisely what makes this opportunity so compelling. I eagerly anticipate getting started," Barnard added.

Jim Wright, the head of Fortescue Zero Racing, echoed Barnard's sentiments, praising the young driver's attributes. "Taylor embodies the ideal driver a new team seeks to build around," Wright remarked. He underscored Barnard's proven capabilities in speed, discipline, and race-craft, affirming his ability to contend at the forefront of Formula E. Wright elaborated on Barnard's potential, noting, "Barnard is young, driven, and possesses immense potential. Equally vital is his understanding of how to collaborate with engineers to extract peak performance and efficiency from the vehicle." With the team set to utilize a Jaguar powertrain, Wright concluded, "We are constructing a new team with serious ambitions. Taylor is the initial cornerstone of this vision, and we are excited to witness our collective achievements."

The 2026-27 Formula E campaign is slated to commence in December with testing in Jarama, followed by the first race in Jeddah. The season is scheduled to conclude in Tokyo in July, contingent on the resolution of ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.

Taylor Barnard's transition to Fortescue Zero Racing signifies more than just a new chapter for the driver; it represents a bold statement from a burgeoning team dedicated to innovation and triumph in electric motorsport. His journey, marked by perseverance and exceptional talent, serves as an inspiration, showcasing how unwavering determination can lead to fulfilling long-held aspirations. This partnership promises to infuse the Formula E grid with renewed energy and competition, underscoring the dynamic nature of this pioneering sport.

In the DTM season's ultimate showdown, Mercedes-AMG's Maro Engel triumphed over three formidable Porsche contenders. Yet, this victory wasn't enough to secure the championship, as he concluded the season 12 points shy of the title, which was ultimately claimed by Thomas Preining. Engel recounted the race's opening segments as particularly arduous, marked by aggressive maneuvers and frequent physical contact from his adversaries.

Intense Battles at Hockenheim: Engel's Account of the DTM Title Decider

On October 12, 2026, at the Hockenheimring, Maro Engel, driving for Winward Mercedes, emerged victorious against a trio of Porsche drivers in the decisive DTM race. Despite his commanding win, the championship slipped from his grasp, with Thomas Preining securing the title after finishing third. Engel expressed his surprise at the fierce competition, remarking, “I felt like I was in a Porsche Cup race.” He acknowledged the powerful performance of the Porsche drivers, who made his race exceptionally challenging. The initial laps were especially brutal, with Engel recalling an incident where he was aggressively forced towards the wall, a preview he had experienced at Sachsenring. He knew that to win the championship, only a victory would suffice.

During the race, Engel encountered significant resistance from pole-sitter Bastian Buus (Land Porsche) and Ricardo Feller, Preining's teammate from Manthey, who started directly ahead of him. In a daring move on the first lap, Engel overtook Feller on the straight leading into the Motodrom section. Engel described this maneuver as extremely perilous, stating he “saw the wall very close – very, very close,” but trusted Feller wouldn't intentionally force him into it. He managed to complete the overtake, though his car sustained minor damage. Feller, who later allowed Preining to pass, downplayed the intensity, noting Engel's clear intent to win and superior pace. Feller clarified that he aimed to avoid influencing the championship outcome, especially against Engel.

Later, on lap 10, Engel confronted Buus. Their clash in the Mercedes-Arena saw Buus “turn in as if I hadn't been there,” according to Engel, resulting in further contact. Buus, however, offered a different perspective, suggesting Engel braked late and left little room. He left the judgment to the race officials, asserting that he was “nearly off track” and had limited options. Buus also confirmed he was not explicitly racing for Preining, emphasizing his priority was to win, stating, “This is a family, but we're free to race.” Preining, witnessing the intense battle between Engel and Buus, chose a cautious approach, lifting off the throttle to avoid entanglement and ensuring his own championship bid was not jeopardized.

The DTM finale vividly showcased the fine line between aggressive racing and fair competition. Engel's experience highlights the immense pressure and strategic complexities drivers navigate in championship-deciding moments. It also brings into question the unspoken dynamics within teams and rival camps, where individual ambitions and collective goals often intersect in unpredictable ways. This race serves as a compelling reminder of the high stakes, intricate strategies, and human element that define elite motorsport.