The McLaren team announced the Spanish pilot this Friday. alex palou He will race with one of the two cars of the British team in the first free practice session. American Grand Prix It will take place at the Austin (Texas) circuit next week, October 21-24.

“I’m so excited to make my F1 debut in a weekend. It’s great to drive in front of the fans who see me racing in America.” INDYCAR. After driving the 2021 McLaren MCL35M in some tests, MCL36 testing. “I want to help the team prepare for the 2022 United States Grand Prix,” the Spanish driver said in a statement from McLaren.

This will be IndyCar champion Palou’s official debut in the F1 championship in 2021. An opportunity after the conflict between McLaren and McLaren Chip Ghana The agreement, which began on 13 July with the aim of keeping the Spaniard among its pilots, and was resolved amicably between both sides on 14 September.

Palou will continue to compete with Ganassi in the US single-seater championship and will also Scale With McLaren and Formula 1 cars.

Days after the deal was announced, the Spaniard boarded an F1 car for the first time in private tests organized by the British team. Montmelo Circuit (Barcelona, ​​Catalonia). He shared his experiences with the Mexican pilot Duck O’Wardas they did last week at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

Yes definitely, both tests were done with last season’s carFree Practice 1, which will take place on October 21 from 21:00 CEST (-2 GMT) to 22:00, will be staged for the first time with single-seat seating under the new regulations that come into effect in 2022. The season that puts more emphasis on aerodynamics and makes them bigger and heavier than before.

Because of this, his driving style changes and it will be Palou’s first hour on the track to get used to a different car. good vibes of two days of previous tests As EFE learned, there was no timed time to seek the fastest lap, but they were very pleased with the data and perseverance demonstrated by the Spanish driver from McLaren.

McLaren also confirmed O’Ward’s presence in Free Practice 1. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, It will close the season between 18-20 November.

“I can’t wait to hit the track in Abu Dhabi. I developed as a driver and had a lot of fun. testing last year’s car That’s why driving the MCL36 will be a great experience. Thanks to McLaren F1 for the opportunity,” said the Mexican.

that an opportunity Andreas SeidlFormula 1 team principal McLaren reassured that both were won at the track, in a statement.

“Alex and Pato were impressed with their final test. Barcelona and Austria and we are happy to bring you the experience in the MCL36. It’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills on the global stage of Formula 1, where the focus will be on helping the team prepare for the race weekend, not the final lap times.”