Follow usMcLaren has nominated 2021 IndyCar champion Alex Palou as one of its reserve drivers for the 2023 Formula 1 season, the team said on Thursday.
The 25-year-old Spaniard Alex Palou will combine racing in the U.S. series next year with a McLaren reserve role where schedules allow.
Introducing our 2023 Formula 1 reserve driver. Welcome to the team, @AlexPalou! 🙌🧡
Find out more below. 👇
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 1, 2022
“I’m excited to be part of the McLaren team as one of their reserve drivers in 2023. I’ve been behind the wheel of both the MCL35M and MCL36 and it has been a great experience, so I can’t wait for the involvement with next year’s car,” Palou said.
“I look forward to continuing my development as a driver and I appreciate the trust McLaren have in me with this new role next year.”
Last summer, McLaren Racing’s IndyCar affiliate Arrows McLaren SP signed up Palou for its 2023 campaign in America.
The agreement, however, was successfully contested by Chip Ganassi Racing who held a valid contract on the Spaniard’s services for next season.
The two parties eventually settled their case, with CGR retaining Palou in its IndyCar team for 2023 but giving the 25-year-old a free pass to test in F1 with McLaren.
Norris wins Singapore pole ahead of Max Verstappen 
McLaren to back Norris over Piastri in title race, says team boss 
Zak Brown says McLaren improvement came earlier than expected 
