New young driver joins McLaren F1

There will end up not being enough room at the factory Mclaren racing ! This Thursday, October 5, the English manufacturer announced the signing of the 2023 FIA champion Formula 3, Gabriel Bortoleto, within the McLaren Driver Development Program.

Adding a champion to the roster! 🏆🧡

We are excited to welcome the current FIA Formula 3 Champion, Gabriel Bortoleto to the McLaren family as part of our Driver Development program.

Read more. 👇

- McLaren (@ McLarenF1) October 5, 2023

The Brazilian pilot, aged 18, joins the pilot ofIndyCar Pato O'Ward, the McLaren reserve F1 in 2024 Ryo Hirakawa and the Young McLaren Driver, Ugo Ugochukwu.

“I have already visited the MTC (McLaren Technology Centre, Woking factory. Editor’s note) and met the team, which was a very pleasant experience. I look forward to continuing to work on my development alongside a great team. »

ALSO READ > Who is Gabriel Bortoleto, the new FIA F3 champion?

The program is led by the five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Audi, Emmanuele Piero. “ I have known Gabriel well since the start of his motorsport career and he has everything it takes to become a star. He also fits very well into the McLaren team culture. I look forward to working with Gabriel and helping him develop his career. »

In addition, McLaren Racing does not stop there and has placed an option on the Italian Brando Badoer, who is none other than the son of the former Minardi driver and Ferrari in F1, Luca Badoer. The teenager who plays in Italian Formula 4 will spend 2024 under the supervision of McLaren in order to potentially be integrated into the young driver program in 2025.

Gabriel Bortoleto should join the FIA Formula 2 in 2024, but its stable has not yet been determined.