2021 NTT INDYCAR Champ to be reserve driver for McLaren

McLaren F1 team have announced the 2021 NTT INDYCAR Series Champion Alex Palou as one of their reserve drivers for 2023. 

Alex Palou will be attending most F1 races in 2023, all bar those that clash with his commitments to racing in the INDYCAR Series with team Ganassi. The Spaniard has already completed a free practice session in the MCL36 at Austin, and driven the previous year's car in Barcelona and Spielberg as part of the Driver Development Testing Program. 

Palou currently has 4 wins and 15 podiums within the INDYCAR Series and became the first Spanish driver to win the NTT INDYCAR Series Championship in 2021, a year after starting within the championship. 

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.”