Andretti Autosport’s Colton Herta tested the car earlier this week and Pato O’Ward took part in a test last year as a reward for winning for McLaren in IndyCar.
“McLaren Racing has signed champion driver Alex Palou to race for McLaren starting in 2023,” the team announced.
“Alongside his racing duties next year, Palou will also test with the McLaren F1 Team as part of its 2021 MCL35M F1 car testing programme with fellow drivers Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta.”
McLaren has plenty of seats currently unfilled or uncertain for the 2023 season. It is still to confirm both Formula E drivers for its debut season, and there is a slot alongside O’Ward and Alexander Rossi at Arrow McLaren SP. Current IndyCar driver Felix Rosenqvist has been retained by McLaren Racing, but as with Palou, he could race elsewhere in its growing empire.
McLaren also runs a team in the Extreme E electric rallycross series and Daniel Ricciardo is contracted to the Formula 1 team until next year, but it’s thought that he could be replaced if his run of poor results continues.
“I’m extremely excited to join the driver roster for such an iconic team as McLaren,” said Palou in the team’s statement. “I’m excited to be able to show what I can do behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car and looking at what doors that may open. I want to thank everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing for everything they have done for me.”
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown underlined that Palou was in contention for his future F1 plans. “We have always said that we want the best talent at McLaren, and it’s exciting to be able to include Alex on that list,” he said.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing him get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car as part of our Testing of Previous Cars programme alongside Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta as we continue to build our driver talent.
“Alex is an incredibly talented driver who has won in every series he has raced in, and I’m happy to welcome him to the McLaren family.”