McLaren Racing today announced that Alfie Butcher has joined the McLaren Shadow F1 Sim Racing Team on a multi-year deal.

The 17-year-old from Bicester, joins the team following a successful debut campaign with Haas F1 Team Esports where he secured two race wins and a second-place finish in the 2023/24 F1 Sim Racing World Championship. This impressive form saw Alfie claim fifth position in the 2023/24 F1 Sim Racing Drivers’ Championship, scoring a total of 106 points.

A talented sim racer with a passion for success, Alfie dominated the F1 Esports Challengers Championship in 2023 being crowned the PC Champion at just 16-years-old. He has also previously held the 2022 PSGL PC F2 Championship title.

Alfie completes the McLaren Shadow F1 Sim Racing Team line-up alongside 2022 F1 Esports Pro Drivers' Champion Lucas Blakeley and two-time Premier Sim Gaming League winner Wilson Hughes.

Alfie Butcher, F1 Sim Racing Driver, McLaren Shadow F1 Sim Racing Team, said:

“I’m delighted to join McLaren Shadow ahead of the upcoming season. It’s an honour to be part of the papaya family and I can’t wait to get started. The Shadow Studio facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre are great and I have a strong relationship with Joel, Lucas and Wilson which has helped me settle in quickly. As a team we’re determined to work hard to challenge for the Constructors’ Championship and make some great memories together.”

Joel Chapman, Team Manager, McLaren Shadow F1 Sim Racing Team, said:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Alfie to the McLaren Shadow team. He is an exciting young talent with excellent sim racing experience and will add valuable strength to our driver line-up alongside Lucas and Wilson.

“Alfie has shown great commitment to the team by signing a multi-year contract and we’re all looking forward to seeing him continue to grow this year. The hard work starts now as the team work collaboratively to prepare for the Constructors’ Championship battle.”