The record
The last race of the 2025/2026 championship ended with the world title victory of Pascal Wehrlein, crowned world champion for the second time. The German from Porsche celebrated the most coveted achievement despite finishing 14th, in an E-Prix that also became historic for the success of Taylor Barnard: the DS Penske team driver, on the occasion of DS’s last race in Formula E, climbed to the top step of the podium for the first time, becoming the youngest ever to do so, setting the record at the age of 22 years.
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The most beautiful victory, personal and beyond
An immense satisfaction, achieved right on home ground weekend, which rewards Barnard and the team after a rather complex championship, as confirmed by the driver himself in a meeting with the media attended also by FormulaPassion: “It was a really tough season – he said – there was a lot of hard work and dedication from me and the team this season.
Not being rewarded during the championship made everything even harder, but I think it was the best way to give DS their last victory and their last points. Obviously, for the Penske team, giving them the last win of the season was fantastic. It gives all the guys something nice to think about during the winter break and, hopefully, more confidence to start again next year. After such a tough season, we gave everything we had in every single race. This victory meant everything. You can tell from my reaction on the radio that there was a lot of stress, emotions, and hard work behind it. I definitely deserved some tears afterwards. I think you can also notice it from the reaction of the guys in the pits. After such a tough season, or rather, after two difficult seasons for them, this means a lot, it was definitely a moment to vent. I think it’s a beautiful moment and something everyone in this sport lives for.”
Younger drivers in Formula E
The London record only highlighted the growing interest of younger drivers in Formula E, which next year will open the doors to the new GEN4: “I firmly believe that younger drivers consider Formula E a more serious championship than in the past. I think it also helps that, looking to the future of Formula E with GEN4 cars and the permanent circuits we will use, we are transforming into a very sophisticated world championship. For younger drivers, obviously, this is more attractive. I believe that my influence, as well as that of Pepe Marti and Maloney, when we enter the championship and achieve success, definitely helps new generations see Formula E as a success and something they might be interested in in the future.” Focusing instead on his exciting victory and the record achieved, Barnard then added a detail: “I always thought the moment would come as long as I kept working hard and giving my best. I didn’t expect it at home and, to be honest, it was the last chance to become the youngest race winner. So, I think on Sunday all the stars aligned for me and it was a perfect moment, both for me and the team.”
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The future?
Finally, it remains to be seen what Barnard’s future will be after DS’s last race and Penske’s plans for next year, which are not yet clear. However, the Englishman’s will is evident: “I believe that, first of all, my future is absolutely in Formula E. This is my home, I really feel at home, in the championship and with everyone. It’s simply the perfect environment for me. The future of my team is still uncertain. I get calls every day or every other day about the team’s future. Honestly, I don’t know exactly where I will end up next season. I believe that the win in the last race helps and supports me in my situation. I’m sure it shows that I’m not stressed. As long as I keep working hard on myself as a driver, physically and mentally, the results will come in the end. I’m not stressed and let’s see what the future holds for me.”
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