UPDATE: McLaren has confirmed that Bird has broken a bone in his left hand and will undergo further treatment upon his return home.
“Sam has been undergoing an x-ray and CT scan to help clarify the nature of the injury,” the team said. “Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that he has broken one of the bones in his left hand and will require further treatment. Sam’s injury will be treated further upon return home to the UK.
“The team wishes Sam a speedy recovery and will be supporting him and his recovery as best as possible, to ensure he can compete again as quickly as possible.”
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Sam Bird has withdrawn from the Monaco E-Prix following a crash in first practice.
The NEOM McLaren driver locked up on the approach to Sainte Devote in the final 10 minutes of the session, and made contact with the right-side wall in the run-off area. While it didn’t appear to be a major hit at the time, Bird could be seen checking his left hand after he got out the car.
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Bird was sent to hospital for an X-ray, and that the team’s reserve driver, 19-year-old Taylor Barnard — who was quickest in the rookie practice session at the Misano E-Prix two weeks ago — will be stepping in for the rest of the day.
“The NEOM McLaren Formula E team can confirm that Sam Bird will not be participating for the remainder of the Monaco E-Prix,” said the statement. “Following his on-track incident, there are signs of a potential hand injury, which needs further medical attention. Sam will be going to hospital for an x-ray to help clarify the nature of the injury.
“As a result, and pending approval from the FIA, Taylor Barnard will be stepping in for Sam for the remainder of the event, driving the No. 8 car. The team are already preparing the car ready in time for FP2 following the damage. Further updates will be provided via the team when these become available.”
Bird, a driver in Formula E since the first season a decade ago, has only missed two other races in the series’ history. He didn’t race in the Cape Town E-Prix last year after a crash in qualifying, while technical problems forced him off the grid moments before the second Jakarta E-Prix race last June.