McLaren has introduced the signing of Matteo De Palo to its driver growth programme.
The 18-year-old Italian just lately completed second in FRECA, driving for Trident Motorsport. Profitable 4 races, he additionally visited the rostrum on seven additional events throughout the marketing campaign.
The Woking-based squad confirmed he’ll compete in papaya on the 2025 Macau Grand Prix earlier than graduating to FIA Components 3 for the 2026 season.
“Becoming a member of the McLaren Driver Improvement Programme is a good honour,” stated De Palo. “The crew have a incredible monitor file for creating expertise, so I’m excited to develop throughout all parts of being a racing driver.
“Thanks to Zak [Brown], Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] and your complete McLaren crew. I’m excited to get out on monitor in papaya.”
The crew additionally confirmed that Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer is not going to proceed with the academy subsequent yr, becoming a member of Alex Dunne, who just lately departed.
Alunni Bravi, who’s the chief enterprise affairs officer for the F1 constructors’ champions, added: “The McLaren Driver Improvement Programme is happy to welcome Matteo.
“He’s an thrilling younger expertise who has made nice progress over the previous seasons, exhibiting adaptability, consistency and development.
“We stay up for supporting his growth throughout driving, in addition to the broader facets of being an expert driver, inside our programme pathway.
“We additionally thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for his or her contribution to McLaren and need them the most effective for the long run.”
