Formula E: McLaren in Search of a Comeback at Jeddah Double-Header

McLaren head to Jeddah for Rounds 3 and 4 of Formula E Season 11, aiming for a strong recovery after a tough weekend in Mexico City.

Formula E Jeddah E-Prix: McLaren Ready to Bounce Back

McLaren started the season on a high, with Taylor Barnard securing a podium the Sao Paulo E-Prix. The 20-year-old, competing in his first full Formula E season, became the youngest driver to stand on the series’ podium.

McLaren’s solid start continued with Sam Bird finishing fourth in Brazil, just behind his teammate. By the end of the opening round, McLaren had 27 points and led the Teams’ Championship.

However, the Mexico City E-Prix didn’t go as planned. Both drivers finished outside the points.

Barnard crossed the line in 10th but dropped to 14th after a post-race penalty. Despite starting 19th, he had fought his way up before the setback. Bird, meanwhile, qualified 10th but finished in P18.

Now in Jeddah, McLaren needd a strong performance to stay in the fight at the top of the standings. Porsche lead with 58 points after securing three podiums in two races, while Jaguar sit close behind in third with 25.

Jeddah Weekend Set to Be Unpredictable

The Saudi Arabian circuit could provide the perfect stage for McLaren’s comeback. Formula E has raced in Diriyah in past seasons, but this will be the series’ first time on the streets of Jeddah.

With a brand-new three-kilometre layout, teams and drivers will enter the weekend without prior data, making it one of the most unpredictable rounds of the season. Adding to the uncertainty is the debut of the pit boost.

In Friday’s race, every driver will be required to make a mandatory 30-second pit stop, receiving a 10% energy boost (3.85 kWh). However, the introduction of pit stops won’t replace Attack Mode, meaning teams must factor both strategic elements into their race plans.

McLaren could capitalize on the unknowns, but executing the right strategy will be crucial. With multiple variables at play, the Jeddah E-Prix promises to be an unpredictable battle.

Jeddah E-Prix: Weekend Schedule

McLaren and the rest of the grid are set for two action-packed days of racing, with the first double-header of Season 11 taking place on Friday and Saturday.

The weekend begins on February 13 with FP0, a dedicated free practice session for rookies. Each team has selected a young or returning driver to take part, with McLaren choosing Formula 2 driver and Papaya Academy member Alex Dunne. A few hours later, Barnard and Bird will hit the track for FP1, marking their first chance to get a feel for the new Jeddah layout.

On February 14, the drivers will return for FP2 before heading into qualifying. The day will conclude with the first race of the weekend.

The format repeats on February 15, with a morning free practice session, followed by qualifying and the final race of the weekend.

UTC-5 TIME

13/02
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM: Rookie Free Practice
1:00 PM – 1:40 PM: Free Practice 1

14/02
5:00 AM – 5:40 AM: Free Practice 2
7:20 AM – 8:43 AM: Qualifying
12:05 PM – 1:00 PM: Race

15/02
5:00 AM – 5:40 AM: Free Practice 3
7:20 AM – 8:43 AM: Qualifying
12:05 PM – 1:00 PM: Race

Recording Date: 11.01.2025