Maximilian Günther stays, Taylor Barnard replaces Jean-Eric Vergne: DS Penske focuses on experience and youth in the 2025/26 Formula 1 World Championship
The DS Penske team has announced its driver pairing for the upcoming Formula E season. German driver Maximilian Günther will be joined by young British driver Taylor Barnard. The team is thus relying on a mix of experience and young talent.
DS Automobiles has repeatedly attracted top drivers to the electric series in the past. The French team’s cockpits have been occupied by Jose Maria Lopez, three-time touring car world champion, Andre Lotterer, three-time Le Mans winner and endurance world champion, and Stoffel Vandoorne, 2022 Formula E champion, among others. Antonio Felix da Costa and Jean-Eric Vergne also contributed to DS’s success with two team titles and two driver titles. With Taylor Barnard, DS-Penske is now signing a newcomer who attracted attention last year with strong performances.
Who is Taylor Barnard?
Barnard, born on January 1, 2004, has already set several age records in Formula E. Replacing the injured Sam Bird, he became the youngest starter in an E-Prix in Monaco in 2024 at the age of 19 years and 331 days. In the following race in Berlin, he became the youngest driver to score points and subsequently signed with McLaren.
He finished third in the 2024/25 season opener in São Paulo, securing his first podium finish. A few weeks later, he achieved his first pole position, also setting an age record. These results attracted the interest of DS Penske, and Barnard is now a permanent driver for the team.
Maximilian Günther stays on board
The German moved to DS Penske for the 2024/25 season and made headlines early on. In Jeddah, he achieved a so-called Grand Slam with pole position, fastest lap, and victory. Shortly afterwards, he also won in Shanghai. With his experience and consistency, Günther is considered a pillar of the team.
Farewell to Jean-Eric Vergne
The new driver pairing also marks the end of the successful collaboration between DS Automobiles and Jean-Eric Vergne. The Frenchman has been driving for the brand since 2016, winning two team titles, one drivers’ championship, six victories, 25 podium finishes, and eleven pole positions.
For the twelfth season of Formula E, DS-Penske is therefore relying on a combination of the experienced Günther and the up-and-coming Barnard, who together are likely to form one of the most exciting duos in the field.