McLaren enrolls F3 champion Bortoleto into junior programme

McLaren has announced that it has recruited 2023 FIA Formula 3 Champion Gabriel Bortoleto for its driver development programme.

Bortoleto cut his teeth in the Italian F4 Championship and in the Formula Regional Championship before stepping up to Formula 3 this season with Trident.

The 18-year-old Brazilian only won two races, both achieved in the early part of his F3 campaign, but several podiums and a string of consistent results earned him the title in the junior series.

At McLaren, Bortoleto will work under the guidance of former McLaren test driver, Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner, Emanuele Pirro, who leads the programme.

Other members of the young driver programme launched by the Woling-based outfit last April include Arrow McLaren IndyCar star Pato O’Ward, McLaren 2024 F1 reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa and McLaren Young Driver, Ugo Ugochukwu.

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In addition to Bortoleto, McLaren also signed a one-year option on Italian Formula 4 driver Brando Badoer, the son of ex-F1 driver Luca Badoer.

The team says that Brando will be assessed over the next year as an Optioned Driver, with the potential to sign to the programme full time at the end of his evaluation.

"I’m pleased to welcome Gabriel to the McLaren Driver Development programme," commented Pirro.

"I’ve known him well since the beginning of his motorsport career and he’s got all that is needed on and off track to be a star.

"He also fits very well with our team culture at McLaren. I look forward to working with Gabriel and helping him develop in his motorsport career.

"I also look forward to working with Brando Badoer, who we sign as an Optioned Driver, as we continue to evaluate him over the next year.

"They join our talented line-up of drivers who we will be working with on their individual development, to give them the tools they need to progress in their careers."

Bortoleto is obviously "excited" to continue his motorsport apprenticeship under the mentorship of McLaren.

"I’m excited to be joining the McLaren Driver Development programme," he said. "I’m grateful to McLaren and Emanuele for giving me this opportunity.

"I’ve already been in the MTC for a tour and to meet the team, which was a really nice experience. I’m looking forward to continuing working on my development alongside a great team."

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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.