McLaren have signed Matteo De Palo to their Driver Development Programme.
De Palo’s decision to join McLaren’s Driver Development Programme comes after a successful second FRECA season in which he finished as vice-champion for Trident with four race victories.
The 18-year-old Italian will now step up to F3 for the 2026 season as he continues with Trident, having signed his deal to race for the Italian team before he accepted McLaren’s offer to join their Driver Development Programme.
De Palo described the chance to be part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme as “a great honour” and can’t wait to learn from the reigning F1 constructor champions, as he thanked CEO – Zak Brown, Chief Business Affairs Officer – Alessandro Alunni Bravi for taking a chance on him.
Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour. The team have a fantastic track record for developing talent, so I am excited to grow across all elements of being a racing driver. Thank you to Zak, Alessandro and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.”
Alunni Bravi added that the team are excited to sign De Palo with promise of full support for his rookie F3 season.
“The McLaren Driver Development Programme is pleased to welcome Matteo. He is an exciting young talent who has made great progress over the past seasons, showing adaptability, consistency and growth.
“We look forward to supporting his development across driving, as well as the wider aspects of being a professional driver, within our programme pathway.”
Alunni Bravi has also confirmed that Ugo Ugochukwu is set to depart the programme after five seasons alongside Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer, of which the latter pair only joined during last season and the trio will leave at the end of 2025.
“We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future.”
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