IndyCar champion Alex Palou will be McLaren's reserve driver for 2023, acting as the team's reserve alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The role comes after the 25 year-old took part in FP1 at the United States Grand Prix with the team this year. He also tested the 2021 MCL35M in Barcelona and Spielberg as part of McLaren's Driver Development testing programme. Palou, who became the first Spanish driver to win the IndyCar championship in 2021, says he is looking forward to "continuing his development" as a McLaren driver. "I'm excited to be part of the McLaren team as one of their reserve drivers in 2023," he said. "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."
Seidl: Palou 'impressed' in FP1 at Austin
Palou described the experience as "insane" when he took to the wheel of the MCL36 in FP1 at Austin this year. McLaren Team Principal, Andreas Seidl, noted how Palou "impressed" after completing 21 laps. "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.”
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