McLaren in trouble as Sam Bird set to miss Monaco E-Prix due to injury, 19-year-old reserve driver set to make debut

In a shocking incident, McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird injured his left wrist. The injury rules him out of the upcoming Monaco E-Prix. The British driver hurt himself during the first free practice session on Saturday Morning.

The incident occurred when Bird was driving too fast and had to use an escape road at Turn 1. His car hit a barrier, and his hands were still on the steering wheel. Even though he got out of the car by himself and walked back to the pits, doctors found out that he got hurt.

Notably, this isn't the first time he hurt this wrist. It happened before in London in 2022, which forced him to miss the race in the season's last event in Seoul. Now, doctors will take X-rays to see if his wrist is broken and decide what to do next. If things turn more serious Bird will then need to miss around two more race weekends to achieve full fitness.

Taylor Barnard is set to replace Bird

In a statement, McLaren revealed more details about the incident and named a replacement for Sam Bird. A statement from the team read: "Due to a hand injury sustained during Free Practice 1, Sam Bird will not participate in the remaining sessions at the Monaco E-Prix. As a result, and pending approval from the FIA, Taylor Barnard will be stepping in for the remainder of the event."

Notably, Barnard is a backup driver for McLaren in Formula E. He hasn't raced in a real Formula E event yet, but he's been practising in some special sessions. In the latest one, he did well before the Misano E-Prix. The British driver is only 19 years old and has been a sensation in Formula 3. Right now, he's racing in Formula 2 PHM AIX Racing. His best finish so far was 13th place.