Oliver Rowland and Taylor Barnard: Meet the cute mentor-student pair dominating Formula E at the same time

“That's so wholesome and cute and cool, racing is such a fantastic spot,” reads a comment on a post shared by Formula E to highlight the special bond Formula E drivers share with each other. Oliver Rowland and Taylor Barnard were participating in the Formula E World Championship at the same time and went on to share the podium at the Jeddah E-Prix not once, but twice, in the double-header.
Oliver Rowland and Taylor Barnard are here to dominate Formula E
Oliver Rowland races for Nissan and is currently on top of the Formula E Championship drivers’ standings this year. Taylor Barnard, who now races for Neom McLaren, was once a student at Rowland’s karting academy and is now the youngest Formula E driver at 19.
At the Jeddah E-Prix in February, Rowland took second place on the podium while Barnard claimed third in Part 1. In Part 2, both drivers moved up one position, with Rowland winning the race and Barnard finishing second.

Barnard called it a special moment—and indeed it was. Reflecting on their podium achievements in Part 2 of the Jeddah E-Prix, Rowland said, “It’s really great. What he’s managed to do already, three podiums in four races is pretty special for a rookie. So I am proud to watch him do well. I am happy for him to do well and hopefully it may continue. I think we are first and second in the championship? Not bad.”

When the video of them together was shared by Formula E on its official Instagram page, a fan commented, “You and us all, Ollie. That is one incredible boy you helped find his feet in racing years ago. Thank you, Ollie. We love to see you both do so well.” Another asked, “Rookie? Who is the rookie? @taylorbarnard1 said clearly that he does not feel as rookie... and he demonstrated it in Jeddah.”
Also Read: Taylor Barnard shares first reaction after almost coming last at Miami E-Prix: “Time to turn our attention to streets of Monaco”
Pictures of them celebrating their achievements on the podium were heartwarming and tell a touching story of inspiring new talent. Rowland is currently leading the 2024–2025 Formula E driver standings with 69 points. Not far behind is Barnard in third position with 51 points. He’s tied with Pascal Wehrlein, the winner of the latest Formula E race, the Miami E-Prix. It seems the two are poised to dominate the rest of the season, which ends in July.