Jake Hughes will leave the NEOM McLaren FIA Formula E team, confirming recent speculation regarding the British driver’s future in the sport.
Hughes finished 14th in the Drivers’ Championship in Season 10, tied on 48 points with his team-mate Sam Bird, after scoring two impressive pole positions as well as a much-deserved second place – his first podium in Formula E – Shanghai.
Hughes is expected to become part of a brand new line-up for Maserati MSG Racing, along with Stoffel Vandoorne, whose departure from DS Penske was announced on Friday.
Maserati’s announcement is set for later today.
It is understood that McLaren will offer the vacancy to its reserve driver, Taylor Barnard. The 20-year-old, who is also currently competing in Formula 2, impressed after replacing the injured for the Monaco and Berlin rounds earlier in the year, scoring points finishes in both races at the Tempelhof Circuit.
In a statement, Hughes said:
“Leaving the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team will feel very strange for me in the coming weeks, based on the fact this team has been my home for the last four-and-a-half years.
“I have a lot of thanks to give to so many different people within the team for what they have given me, and how they have prepared me and allowed me to grow into the racing driver I am today.
“Everything I am in Formula E is down to this team, and for that I am extremely grateful. I wish the team all the best, and I have no doubt that we’ll have some good times racing on track against each other in the future.”
McLaren’s Team Principal Ian James said:
“Jake has made a significant contribution to this team over the years, both on and off the track, and we are incredibly grateful for his input and dedication throughout.
“During this time, he has flourished into a proven talent in Formula E; particular highlights being his four pole positions – of which one came in only his third ever event in Formula E – and his P2 finish in Shanghai this year.
“On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jake. Alongside his natural talent as a driver, he is a consummate professional and yet has an easy sense of humour which has endeared him to all in the Formula E paddock.”
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