McLaren Racing keeps Rosenqvist under contract for 2023

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McLaren Racing has extended the contract of Felix Rosenqvist for 2023 and hinted at the possibility of assigning the Swede to its IndyCar squad or to its Formula E team.

Arrow McLaren SP recently signed up Alex Rossi to race full-time alongside Pato O'Ward in the NTT IndyCar Series, but the team is mulling adding a third entry to its line-up in the US.

McLaren will make its debut next year in Formula E series following its acquisition last month of the Mercedes-EQ team. The outfit currently employs reigning series champion Nyck de Vries and former McLaren F1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne.

However, the team has so far not revealed its driver line-up for FE's Season 9, but Rosenqvist would welcome an opportunity to return to the all-electric series in which he competed for two seasons with Mahindra before moving into IndyCar.

Read also: McLaren partners with Nissan for Formula E Gen3 powertrain

"With the team expanding into Formula E next season, it provides additional opportunities for me both in the USA and Europe and I look forward to being in a position to announce my plans in the coming weeks," he said.

"I’ve loved my time with the Arrow McLaren SP Team in IndyCar driving the No. 7 car and we’ve had some great moments together, including securing pole earlier this year in Texas and coming home P4 in the Indy 500.

"I’m excited and grateful to be given this opportunity to explore the new options available to utilise my experience to help McLaren start 2023 on the strongest possible footing."

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown added: "I’m delighted to be continuing our relationship with Felix. He’s a fantastic racer, with a lot of experience in many different types of racing cars.

"As a proven race winner in both categories, it was important for us to secure his talent within the McLaren Racing family as we work to finalise our plans for 2023.

"His experience in Formula E would be invaluable as we head into this exciting new era of racing for McLaren Racing but he has also made a fantastic contribution to our IndyCar team.

"I look forward to working together with him to finalise the best opportunity for him next season."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.