Formula E

Nissan Formula E Team retains Sam Bird and Abbi Pulling for Season 13

October 29, 2026

5 min Reading

Bird and Pulling complete the Japanese outfit’s driver roster for new GEN4 era

Nissan Formula E Team will continue with Sam Bird as its reserve and development driver and Abbi Pulling as its rookie and simulator driver for the 2026/27 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The British duo will join Oliver Rowland and Zane Maloney to complete Nissan Formula E Team’s driver roster.

Bird joined Nissan Formula E Team in November 2025 as reserve and development driver, while Pulling began her rookie and simulator driver role in June 2025. The knowledge of the Nissan Formula E powertrain that both have developed throughout their time with the team will be a valuable asset heading into the new GEN4 era, as they work with Rowland and Maloney to ensure the squad starts Season 13 in the strongest possible position.

Bird has competed in Formula E since the championship’s inaugural race in 2014 and is among a select group of drivers to have won races across all three generations of cars used in the series. He has secured 27 podium finishes, including 12 victories, with his most recent win coming in São Paulo during Season 10 while driving for a Nissan customer team.

Pulling gained further Formula E experience during the 2025/26 campaign, participating in the all-women’s test, Miami Rookie Free Practice and the Madrid Rookie Test. The 2024 F1 Academy champion is also competing in the 2026 GB3 Championship, taking her first victory at Spa and adding two podium finishes at Donington Park.

Bird and Pulling will continue working alongside Rowland and Maloney ahead of Pre-Season Testing at Circuito del Jarama, Spain on 16-20 November.

Tommaso Volpe, managing director and team principal, Nissan Formula E Team: “We’re very happy to continue working with Sam and Abbi for Season 13. As we enter the GEN4 era, having drivers who know our simulator, our powertrain and the way we work will be important in helping us prepare effectively for this new generation. Sam brings a wealth of Formula E experience and has been a great team player since joining us last year. He’s proactive and always looking for ways to help the team improve. Abbi has become increasingly comfortable in the Formula E environment and is already adding real value. She’ll have the opportunity to take part in test days and continue supporting us both before and during race weekends. Together with Oliver and Zane, we believe we have a strong driver roster to help us make a positive start to the GEN4 era.”

Sam Bird

“Since joining the team I’ve really enjoyed my time here and been welcomed with open arms. We’ve completed plenty of positive work in the simulator and during testing as we prepare for the GEN4 era. With a new car for Season 13, we’ve spent a lot of time setting the simulator up to ensure we can give Oliver and Zane the most accurate representation of the new features. As the weeks go by, we’re developing a stronger understanding of the GEN4 machine and I’m pleased to be contributing to that. My aim for the upcoming season is to continue helping the team to the best of my ability, working with the engineering and strategy sides as well as the drivers so we can maximize our performance.”

Abbi Pulling

“I’ve really enjoyed being with Nissan Formula E Team and I’m delighted to continue in my role as we move into the GEN4 era. I’ve loved my work in the simulator and of course the sessions out on track, which have been the highlight of my time with the team. I’m looking forward to exploring what the GEN4 car has to offer, starting in the simulator and then hopefully on race weekends. The new car will be a challenge for everyone, but it looks very exciting and appealing to drivers. A big thank you to the team for the support they’ve given me so far, and I can’t wait to continue into Season 13!”

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