McLaren signs new F1 junior as three drivers exit

Matteo De Palo, 18, joins McLaren after an impressive FRECA campaign ahead of an F3 move in 2026

McLaren has signed 2025 Formula Regional European runner-up Matteo De Palo to its driver development programme as part of an academy shake-up.

The 18-year-old secured his best result since moving to single-seaters in 2023 by finishing second to FRECA champion Freddie Slater ahead of his graduation to Formula 3 with Trident next year.

De Palo will now also contest F3 with the backing of McLaren, whose first act will be supporting the Italian when he competes in this weekend’s Macau Grand Prix.

“Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour,” said De Palo, who also has experience in the Italian and British F4 championships.

“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 [Brown], Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.”

Podium: second place Martinius Stenshorne, Hitech TGR

Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images

De Palo’s arrival came alongside the news that F3 trio Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer will all depart the McLaren fold at the end of the year.

Alunni Bravi, who runs the academy, said: “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.

“We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future.”

McLaren stated that the aim of its programme is to progress drivers towards its efforts in Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship, which it will enter from 2027.

The Woking company has among the most impressive driver academy alumni, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, current F1 points leader Lando Norris, ex-F1 driver Kevin Magnussen and Formula E champion Stoffel Vandoorne all having graduated.