Nissan Formula E Team announces Sam Bird as reserve and development driver for 2025/26
The Nissan Formula E Team has confirmed a key strengthening of its off-track program by naming Sam Bird as the reserve and development driver for the 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season. The move formalizes a long-standing association between Bird and Formula E and reinforces Nissan’s commitment to cultivating talent and ensuring depth across its race weekend operations.
Why Sam Bird fits the role
Sam Bird brings a wealth of experience to the seat, having competed in Formula E since the championship’s inception. His familiarity with the series, combined with his proven feedback skills and ability to accelerate development processes, makes him an ideal candidate for a reserve and development role. Bird’s track knowledge and adaptability are expected to help Nissan refine car setup, simulator programs, and test protocols ahead of rounds in the 2025/26 calendar.
Experience that benefits the team
Bird’s extensive Formula E résumé includes multiple podiums and a track record of quickly translating data into actionable improvements. As reserve and development driver, he will participate in private test sessions, simulator runs, and data analysis, working closely with engineers and the driving line to support on-track performance when a primary driver is unavailable. This collaboration is designed to accelerate the team’s learning curve and maintain momentum across a demanding season.
Nissan’s strategy for the 2025/26 campaign
The 2025/26 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship presents a calendar packed with high-stakes e-mobility battles, where development speed and reliability can influence outcomes in tight street circuits around the world. Nissan’s decision to appoint Bird as reserve and development driver signals a broader strategy: to deepen technical expertise, broaden testing coverage, and ensure continuity in data interpretation and feedback loops. The role supports both the race squad and the simulator team in building a robust development pipeline that benefits drivers, engineers, and the entire organization.
Developing talent and strengthening the squad
Having Bird in this capacity allows Nissan to maximize its resource pool without compromising performance during race weekends. The reserve driver role is increasingly vital in Formula E, where rapid response to incidents, weather changes, and evolving track conditions requires a flexible and well-prepared team. Bird’s involvement also offers mentorship to younger drivers and engineers, sharing best practices from a career spent within one of the sport’s most demanding championships.
<h2What this means for fans and the season ahead
For fans, the announcement underscores Nissan’s commitment to a competitive, forward-looking approach in Formula E. While Bird won’t race every round, his presence on the development side of operations promises closer scrutiny of performance metrics and more opportunities to showcase the team’s improvements as the season unfolds. Expect enhanced collaboration between car development, powertrain calibration, and race strategy teams as data-driven development accelerates the path to results.
About Sam Bird and the Nissan partnership
Sam Bird’s association with Formula E spans several seasons and includes notable drives and championships experience. His knowledge of street circuits, tire management, energy efficiency, and qualifying strategies will be put to good use at Nissan as the team navigates a competitive field comprised of some of the world’s best electric racing outfits. The partnership highlights Nissan’s ongoing dedication to innovation, performance, and sustainability in motorsport.
Looking forward
As the 2025/26 season approaches, Nissan fans can anticipate a strong emphasis on development work, simulator fidelity, and driver feedback that translates into race-ready improvements. Sam Bird’s role as reserve and development driver marks a strategic step for the team, aligning elite experience with a clear plan to push the envelope in Formula E’s evolving landscape.
