Alex Palou to become a McLAREN F1 reserve driver for the 2023 season
Palou will provide support for the team alongside his driving duties in INDYCAR
2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou will serve as one of the McLaren Formula 1 Team’s reserve drivers for the 2023 season. Palou will provide support for the team alongside his driving duties in INDYCAR, being available as a reserve driver for the team for all events that do not conflict with his INDYCAR commitments.
The 25-year-old Spaniard previously took part in a free practice session at the 2022 United States Grand Prix with McLaren as well as piloting the MCL35M in Barcelona and Spielberg as part of the team’s Driver Development testing programme.
Palou has four wins and 15 podiums in INDYCAR to date and became the first Spanish driver to win the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship when he claimed the 2021 title.
Alex Palou, said:
“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. 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.”
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal, McLaren F1 Team, said:
“The team are pleased to have Alex on board as one of our reserve drivers for next season. He impressed with his FP1 session in Austin and his Driver Development tests this year. He has many notable motorsports achievements so far, particularly the 2021 INDYCAR championship title so it’s brilliant to be able to expand his role in the team and we look forward to working more closely with him.”
Palou 'loved every second' of his F1 debut in Austin
Alex Palou describes his time behind the wheel of the MCL36 during FP1 at the US Grand Prix
Palou says MCL35M test at 'home' in Spain was a 'dream' come true
Álex Palou discusses his F1 testing debut as part of the TPC programme at the Circuit de Barcelona
NEOM McLAREN Formula E team announces its full Season 9 driver line-up
"This pairing will be crucial in helping us hit the ground running"
Join the team
McLaren Plus is our free-to-join fan engagement programme, bringing McLaren fans closer to the team with the most inclusive, rewarding and open-to-all fan programmes in motorsport.
Sign up now, or current members can amend their details in the form below if necessary.