Alex palou debut in Formula 1 at the wheel of a McLaren in the first free practice session of the US GP. Just a week after his test at the Red Bull Ring, the Woking team confirmed the Barcelona driver to take over from Daniel Ricciardo behind the wheel of the MCL36. “It’s great to drive in front of the fans who have seen me race in Indycar,” announced a “very excited” Palou.
The team led by Andreas Seidl He confirmed this opportunity after solving his tug-of-war with Chip Ganassi, the team where the Spaniard won the Indycar title in 2021. Two months of contractual conflict resolved, finally, amicably, since Palou can combine his careers in the US with the tests in F1.
Palou’s premiere, therefore, will take place on October 21 during free practice 1, played at the Circuit of the Americas (9:00 p.m. in Spain). Almost seven years later, three Spaniards will turn heads during a training session. Once again, Fernando Alonso Y Carlos Sainz will accompany Palou, as they did with Roberto Merhi that Friday of the 2015 Abu Dhabi GP.
“They impressed with their tests”
In Yas Marina, next November 18, Duck O’Wardalso relieve lando norris at the controls of the McLaren. “Alex and Pato impressed with their recent tests in Barcelona and Austria, so we are delighted to offer them this experience with the MCL36. It is a great opportunity for them to show their skills,” Seidl analyzed.
This measure allows McLaren to comply with the F1 Sporting Regulations, since throughout each World Cup all teams must offer at least two free practice sessions to their young drivers.
Piastri, the relief of Ricciardo
However, neither Palou nor O’Ward have options for a seat at McLaren for the 2023 World Cup. Ricciardo’s vacancy, who will leave the Grand Circus after 12 seasons on the grid, will be filled by the newly incorporated Oscar Piastri. After ending his litigation with Alpine, the Australian has signed a two-year contract.
Since its debut in the 1956 World Championship, McLaren has won 12 drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ titles, with 494 podiums and 183 victories. However, over the last decade he could hardly add Ricciardo’s triumph at the 2021 Italian GP, ahead of Norris and Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes).