Taylor Barnard has addressed his future in Formula E, with the Briton “not worried” about falling out of the championship despite “backup” options away from DS Penske being explored.
For the second season in a row, Barnard finds himself in an uncomfortable position. Last year, during his debut campaign with McLaren, the papaya outfit announced it would leave Formula E.
It left Barnard in need of a new team for his second season, resulting in a move to DS Penske. Fast forward to now, and he once again finds himself in a semi-uncomfortable position.
The partnership between DS Automobiles and Penske will conclude following the season finale in London this August, with the former set to leave Formula E.
DS’ decision has left Penske, to whom Barnard is contracted, with a major decision to make for Gen4: become a full manufacturer operation or move to customer status and partner with an existing supplier.
A concrete decision has yet to be announced by the American organisation and, while behind-the-scenes discussions have been taking place, Barnard is not fully aware of everything going on.
“There are discussions, but I’m not aware of all of them, to be honest,” Barnard told ApexF1 during an interview.
“How they’re going and where the conversations are heading, I really don’t know at the minute.
“So yeah, that’s another reason why I should just keep learning, keep my head down and try to deliver all the points I can whilst I’m driving. Whatever happens off the track and in the meetings is not in my control.”
Barnard exploring backup options
While Barnard is not concerned about his place in Formula E, he is, like any driver would be, keeping tabs on backup options should he need to jump ship from Penske.
What Penske decides to do is a significant decision in the landscape of the all-electric series, one that could have a huge impact on the team’s level of competitiveness next season.
This season has been a disappointing one for DS Penske, an outfit that, over the years, has been a consistent podium contender.
DS Penske has been anything but a podium contender — let alone a podium finisher — in Season 12, with Barnard sitting on 24 points compared to Maximilian Günther’s 10.
Barnard has once again excelled when it comes to one-lap pace, but the team’s largely uncompetitive machinery in race trim has often seen him fall backwards.
He will be keeping a close eye on the decision Penske makes for Gen4, but after a career spent fighting for every seat he has ever held, Barnard is a driver capable of holding his own regardless of which direction the team takes.
“I would be lying if I said I was not looking for a backup option,” revealed Taylor Barnard. “I guess that’s normal for drivers who are in a questionable situation.
“Everyone’s looking for backup opportunities, but in terms of me being worried about my seat or my place in the championship, I’m not worried.
“Which is, again, why I’m reinforcing it to myself — to just keep my head down, get all the points and results possible, and whatever happens, happens. It’s not in my control, so there’s no point worrying about it.”
