Envision Virgin Racing has confirmed that Sam Bird will leave the team at the conclusion of Formula E’s present Season 6 campaign this August.
The British racer joined the squad for Formula E’s inaugural campaign in 2014 and has contested every race in the championship’s six-season history, taking nine wins and 18 podium finishes.
Ahead of the championship’s six-race Berlin showdown, Envision Virgin confirmed that the 33-year-old will leave the team at the end of the season, ending a long-term collaboration with the pair.
“I know I speak for the entire team when I say Sam is one of the most likeable and decorated drivers in Formula E and, come mid-August, will leave us with the utmost respect and admiration,” said Envision Virgin Managing Director Sylvain Filippi.
“Being a founding member of this team like myself, I personally want to pay tribute to Sam for the excellent job he has done and for being a pleasure to work with over the years.
“Ever the professional, he remains just as committed and determined to end the season with Envision Virgin Racing on a high.”
With Bird’s departure comes the pending announcement of his arrival at Jaguar Racing, at which he is expected to replace James Calado and partner Mitch Evans for Formula E’s seventh season.
Reflecting on his time with Envision Virgin, Bird described the squad as a family and aims to add to his many memories with the team in Berlin.
“Over the years, this team has become more like a family to me and has been a huge part of my racing career,” he said.
“Many will know that the team and Formula E resurrected my racing career and for that I am eternally grateful.
“I have so many memories and highlights – both on and off track – to look back on and I really hope there’s still a few more to come in Berlin before I embark on the next chapter of my racing career. And for sure, there is likely to be a tear in my eye come that final race.”
Envision Virgin Racing will reveal its Season 7 lineup over the coming days, with the team expected to announce reigning Super Formula champion Nick Cassidy as Robin Frijns’ team-mate for the 2020/21 campaign.
