Sam Bird Joins Nissan As Reserve And Development Driver
sam bird 16x9 flag
YOKOHAMA, Japan (20 November 2025) — Nissan Formula E Team has signed Sam Bird as reserve and development driver for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In plain terms, the gentleman who has been turning up at electric race starts since 2014 will now be working to sharpen Nissan’s machinery and help the race drivers when needed.
A Proven Record
Bird is one of the championship’s long‑standing figures, having raced in Formula E since its first weekend and scored victories across three different car generations. His résumé reads like a highlight reel: 144 starts, 27 podiums and 12 wins, the fourth most in the series’ history. The most recent win came in São Paulo during Season 10, when he took the chequered flag for a customer team running Nissan powertrain hardware.
What He Will Do For The Team
As reserve and development driver, Bird will work closely with the race drivers and engineering crew to hone performance both on track and in the simulator. He will assist with the ongoing evolution of the current GEN3 Evo car and feed into the development of the forthcoming GEN4 package. Expect him to be a steady hand at race events and a sharp voice in the simulator, providing instant, experienced feedback.
The Team’s View
The team principal welcomed the signing, pointing out Bird’s experience and familiarity with the Nissan powertrain as key reasons for the appointment. The message was simple: an accomplished driver who knows the kit will be a major asset as the squad aims to stay competitive and prepare for GEN4.
Looking Ahead
Bird joins a team fresh from recent success and eager to build on that momentum. His arrival adds depth to the driver roster and brings a track record of race craft and technical insight that should help Nissan continue its upward trajectory in Season 12. Expectations are practical: more development pace, sharper set-ups, and another experienced pair of eyes on the job as the team targets further podiums and wins.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
