Spanish driver Alex Palou emerged as the 2021 IndyCar Series champion, a feat that solidified his status as one of the sport’s rising stars. In a surprise announcement, the British racing outfit McLaren confirmed on Thursday that Palou would join the team as a reserve driver for the 2023 Formula 1 season. This move marks a significant step in his career, aligning a reigning IndyCar champion with one of the longest-standing teams in Formula 1 as he broadens his racing portfolio across major open-wheel championships.
Palou, at 25 years old, will undertake reserve duties for McLaren while ensuring his commitments in the IndyCar Series remain a priority whenever conflicts arise. McLaren emphasized that the reserve role will not interfere with Palou’s IndyCar obligations, underscoring a flexible arrangement designed to support both series. This balance is essential given his ongoing responsibilities and the team’s development objectives for the 2023 season.
The Spaniard had the opportunity to explore the McLaren machinery first-hand during a free practice session at this year’s Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. He tested the MCL35M in sessions held in Austin, as well as in Barcelona and Spielberg, as part of the team’s driver development program. These tests provided a clear signal that Palou is considered a valuable long-term prospect for McLaren, offering real-world feedback for the squad while he continues to race full-time in IndyCar.
Throughout his career, Palou has accumulated a series of notable achievements, including four race wins and fifteen podiums to date in IndyCar. His 2021 title made him the first Spaniard to win the championship, a milestone that added to his growing reputation as a versatile and intelligent racer capable of adapting to different racing environments and car setups. This success story forms the foundation of McLaren’s confidence in him as a potential future athlete who can contribute meaningfully to the team across multiple disciplines.
In a McLaren statement, Palou expressed his excitement about joining the team as a reserve driver for 2023. He noted that testing both the MCL35M and the MCL36 had been an inspiring experience and that he looked forward to collaborating on the development of next year’s car. Palou also stressed his desire to continue his growth as a driver, appreciating the trust McLaren has placed in his abilities. His words reflected a clear focus on steady progress and a long-term plan to elevate his performance across racing series.
Team principal Andreas Seidl highlighted Palou’s impressive performance in the free practice sessions in Austin and during the driver development program tests. Seidl pointed to Palou’s track record, including the dramatic 2021 IndyCar title, as evidence of his capability to succeed at the highest levels. He framed Palou’s expanded role within the McLaren family as a natural progression for a driver who has repeatedly demonstrated talent, consistency, and a strong mental approach to competition. The announcement underscores McLaren’s commitment to cultivating a diverse driver lineup that can contribute to the team’s long-term racing goals and performance upgrades.
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