F1 News: McLaren draft in replacement as star driver undergoes 'successful surgery'

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McLaren

McLaren draft in replacement as star driver undergoes 'successful surgery'

Sam Bird will be replaced by the team for the next Formula E round

Chris Deeley

Saturday 4 May 2024 17:00

McLaren have announced that they expect a driver to return to the track soon, following surgery on his hand.

Sam Bird suffered the injury racing for the team's Formula E imprint in Monaco, with Taylor Barnard coming in to replace him for the upcoming E-Prix in Berlin.

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Daniel Ricciardo's broken hand and subsequent surgery may be the best comparison when projecting return timelines for Bird, with the Australian missing the Dutch Grand Prix (at which he sustained the injury) and four subsequent races.

The veteran Bird has had a mixed season on the track, with two retirements and a non-classified finish in his seven races before the Monaco incident counterbalanced by a dramatic win in Brazil – the team's first ever in the series.

Formula E hit the streets of Monaco last weekend

James: Bird has team's full support

Team principal Ian James added: “We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery, with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car.

“Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery – with the team’s full support.

“We’re looking forward to having Sam back in the car soon.”

McLaren Monaco