2023 World Junior Karting Champion Dries Van Langendonck joined the McLaren Driver Development programme in July 2024.

Born in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium, Dries started his racing career at the age of eight. He soon showed his talent becoming the NK Rookie Champion in 2019 which was quickly followed by another Championship win after he was crowned the 2020 Mini 60 Dutch Champion.

Progressing through the junior karting ranks, Dries’ impressive form continued with further success after winning both the WSK Super Master Series and the Margutti Trophy.

Dries recently secured the 2023 WSK Final Cup and is currently leading the OK-Junior category of the 2024 FIA Karting European Championship after winning the FIA Karting World Championship in 2023.

Being a member of the McLaren Driver Development programme sees Dries join the team’s talent pipeline at the first step where he receives support in his development from karting to professional racing driver.