Formula E rising star Taylor Barnard joins DS PENSKE alongside Maximilian Günther

DS PENSKE has confirmed that British Formula E sensation Taylor Barnard will join the team for the upcoming 2025/26 season, lining up alongside Maximilian Günther as the Franco-American squad targets fresh silverware.

Barnard, just 21, has already made history in Formula E. He became the youngest driver ever to take part in an E-Prix when he lined up in Monaco in 2024, finishing 14th. He went on to set a string of records: the youngest points scorer (Berlin 2024), the youngest podium finisher (third in São Paulo 2025), and the youngest pole-sitter (Jeddah 2025).

In just 19 races across two seasons, Barnard has racked up five podiums and two pole positions, marking him out as one of the brightest talents in electric motorsport. For Season 12, he will take the wheel of the new DS E-TENSE FE25, developed by DS Performance, in what promises to be another breakthrough year.

Barnard said he was “delighted” to join the Franco-American team: “The team has solid experience in Formula E and I can’t wait to get working alongside Max to go after some top results. Formula E is a unique competition; I feel ready now to continue on this trajectory I’ve started and fight at the front.”

Barnard joins Günther, who enjoyed a strong Season 11 with two wins and two pole positions. Together, the pair will spearhead DS PENSKE’s push for victories and titles.

Günther welcomed his new teammate: “Having Taylor as my new teammate is fantastic; he is a brilliant driver and a great addition to our team. There’s an incredible spirit running through the whole team and I can’t wait to get the new season started.”

The signing also signals the end of an era. After three years with DS PENSKE and eight seasons with DS Automobiles, Jean-Eric Vergne – Formula E’s only two-time champion – has parted ways with the brand. Vergne’s legacy includes two teams’ titles, one drivers’ title, six wins, 25 podiums and 11 pole positions.

DS Performance director Eugenio Franzetti paid tribute: “We are delighted to welcome Formula E’s young prodigy into our team. His youth, talent and motivation will be essential qualities to help him bag some podiums and get in among the leaders of this new season. At the same time, I would like to thank Jean-Eric Vergne. His knowledge and commitment have made a huge contribution to everything that we have achieved as a brand.”

The official pre-season tests will take place in Valencia from 27-31 October, before the campaign kicks off in São Paulo, Brazil, on 6 December 2025. With Barnard and Günther at the helm, DS PENSKE is aiming to build on its already illustrious record in Formula E and strengthen DS Automobiles’ reputation as a leader in electric performance technology.