New papaya F1 prospect: McLaren signs Matteo De Palo

McLaren has announced the signing of Matteo De Palo, the 18-year-old Formula Regional European Championship runner-up, to its Driver Development Programme, marking a fresh chapter in the team’s push to cultivate the next generation of racing talent.

De Palo, who finished second in the 2025 FRECA standings behind champion Freddie Slater, joins McLaren on the back of a breakout season that showcased his speed, composure, and adaptability.

The Italian will graduate to the FIA Formula 3 Championship next year with Trident – and will already race in the famous Macau Grand Prix next weekend under the papaya banner.

“Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour,” said De Palo. “The team have a fantastic track record for developing talent, so I am excited to grow across all elements of being a racing driver.

“Thank you to Zak [Brown], Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.”

The move represents part of a broader shake-up within McLaren’s young driver programme, with Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne, and Brando Badoer all departing at the end of the year as the Woking-based outfit refines its development structure.

An Exciting Young Talent

McLaren’s academy boss Alessandro Alunni Bravi said De Palo’s signing underlines the programme’s mission to nurture adaptable, well-rounded racers capable of progressing across the team’s global motorsport projects – from Formula 1 and IndyCar to its upcoming World Endurance Championship campaign.

“The McLaren Driver Development Programme is pleased to welcome Matteo,” said Alunni Bravi. “He is an exciting young talent who has made great progress over the past seasons, showing adaptability, consistency and growth.

“We look forward to supporting his development across driving, as well as the wider aspects of being a professional driver, within our programme pathway.

“We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future.”

Building the Next Generation of McLaren Greats

McLaren’s driver development system has long been one of the most successful in motorsport, with alumni such as Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and Stoffel Vandoorne having all advanced to the highest levels of competition.

De Palo’s addition signals McLaren’s renewed focus on scouting and grooming young drivers for success across multiple racing disciplines.

For the teenager from Padua, it’s a golden opportunity to follow in the footsteps of some of the sport’s biggest names – and a chance to make his mark in papaya.

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