McLaren announce F1 test for IndyCar drivers

British Formula One team McLaren have announced that their IndyCar drivers Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward will drive the 2021 MCL35M as part of their car testing programme (TPC). 

Pato O’Ward will test the McLaren car this week along with carrying out his duties for the McLaren IndyCar team. He will be paired with Alex Rossi for the IndyCar team. Felix Rosenqvist will also join the duo following his recent arrival to the team.

Palou, who was supposed to join the McLaren IndyCar team, will have to wait for another season after a contract dispute sees him remain with his former team, Chip Ganassi Racing. The Spaniard, though, has been given permission to test a Formula One car with the Woking-based team. 

Both drivers will be doing their Formula One test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. 

Felix Rosenqvist, Driver, Arrow McLaren SP, commented:

“There’s no better way to enter the off-season than with this news! I love this team, and I’m so happy to continue working with all the incredible people I’ve gotten to know over the past two seasons. With everything the team has in the pipeline, the continuing relationship with Pato and the addition of Alex Rossi, we are going to bring our A-game for 2023. It will be the most exciting season for me so far. Let it be March already!“

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, added:

“I’m delighted that Felix will again be racing with AMSP through 2023. He had a strong 2022 season, and I look forward to seeing what he, Alex Rossi and Pato O’Ward can do when they join forces in papaya.

“It’s also great to have Alex Palou joining the McLaren Racing family in our Testing of Previous Cars programme.“