Alex Palou is McLaren’s reserve driver for 2023
After several test sessions with McLaren, Alex Palou will become the British team's reserve driver next season. He impressed the British team during the various tests he carried out this year with the MCL35M and MCL36.
Alex Palou is one of the rising stars in the world of motorsport in recent years. The Spanish driver quickly climbed up the ranks in the junior formulas before becoming the champion in Indycar in his first season in 2021.
An impressive pilot
He participated in numerous practice sessions with McLaren in 2022, driving the MCL35M and MCL36 in Spain, Austria, and the United States. He quickly proved himself to be highly skilled in these cars, despite them being very different from the one he drives at Chip Ganassi in Indycar. The boss of the British team, Andreas Seidl, is delighted with the arrival of the young Spanish driver at McLaren.
He impressed with his FP1 session in Austin and his driver development tests this year. He has an impressive track record in motorsport, including the 2021 IndyCar title, so it’s wonderful to be able to give him more responsibilities within the team, and we are looking forward to working closely with him.
Alex Palou is happy to be able to continue evolving in Formula 1 in 2023. However, the Spanish driver will only be able to participate in 12 out of the 24 races on the 2023 calendar as a reserve driver, as he will be competing in the entire IndyCar championship.
I am happy to continue my development as a driver and I am grateful for the trust McLaren has placed in me with this new role next year.
