Barnard Absent From Fortescue Zero Launch
Taylor Barnard did not attend Fortescue Zero Racing's launch event as his management seeks to free him from his contract.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Motorsports
Taylor Barnard was absent from Fortescue Zero Racing's launch event on Friday. His management is seeking to release him from his Fortescue Zero contract so he can race for another team.
Why it matters
Barnard, who won the final round of last season, was confirmed as a Fortescue Zero driver last month and nominated to the FIA for the season. The contractual dispute leaves his participation in the upcoming Formula E pre-season test unresolved.
Barnard is 22 years old and an ex-McLaren driver, and Fortescue Zero will have two cars at the Jarama test in 10 days. Whether Barnard will drive for the team at that test has not been determined.
The players
Taylor Barnard
A 22-year-old former McLaren driver who won the final round of last season and is at the center of the contract dispute with Fortescue Zero.
Fortescue Zero Racing
A Formula E team that held a launch event on Friday and is contesting the contractual dispute over Barnard's services.
The details
Fortescue Zero Racing held its launch event on Friday without Barnard present. Team principal Jim Wright stated that the team has signed Barnard to a contract, while Barnard's management is looking to have him race at another team instead.
Timeline
Last month: Barnard was confirmed as a Fortescue Zero driver.
Friday: Fortescue Zero held its launch event, and Barnard was absent.
In 10 days: The official Formula E pre-season test takes place at Jarama, Spain.
Season Trajectory
Barnard is projected to race for the new Formula E entry coming to the series with support from Porsche, reflecting the continued arrival of manufacturer-backed teams. The outcome of his contract dispute will shape how the new entrant's driver lineup takes shape ahead of the season.
Whether Barnard races for Fortescue Zero or another team will determine the driver pairings fans see at the season's opening events. The Jarama test will reveal the lineup Fortescue Zero fields with its two cars.
The takeaway
Driver contract disputes can reshape team lineups before a season begins, so readers tracking the Formula E grid should watch the Jarama test for confirmed entries.
What happens next
The official Formula E pre-season test at Jarama, Spain takes place in 10 days, which will show whether Barnard participates.
Further reading
Follow the latest developments in Motorsports as teams finalize their driver lineups for the new season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RACER.
