McLaren Racing add Matteo De Palo to Driver Development Programme

McLaren Racing have announced the signing of Matteo De Palo, who has joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme.

Racing for Trident, the Italian youngster finished second in the 2025 Formula Regional European Championship and will be making his Formula 3 debut with the same outfit next season.

The 18-year-old has also raced in the Formula Winter Series and the F4 Spanish Championship for Campos Racing, the F4 British Championship, and the Macau Grand Prix. He will race in the 2025 Macau Grand Prix for McLaren.

The British team have also revealed that they have released Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne, and Brando Badoer from their Driver Development Programme.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer, McLaren Racing, commented:

“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.”

Matteo De Palo added:

“Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour. 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, Alessandro and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.”