McLaren has announced a major shake-up of its young driver roster by dropping no fewer than three of its prior members.
Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer have all been released from the programme. The trio raced in Formula 3 this year.
McLaren has announced one hiring to the scheme: 18-year-old Matteo De Palo, who finished second in the Formula Regional European championship this year. He will make his first appearance in McLaren’s colours at the Macau Grand Prix later this month, and race in Formula 3 next year.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who runs McLaren’s junior driver programme, said De Palo is “an exciting young talent who has made great progress over the past seasons, showing adaptability, consistency and growth.”
“We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future,” he added.
The departing trio follow Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne, who left McLaren’s junior roster earlier this season after making two appearances in Formula 1 practice sessions.
Stenshorne placed fifth in F3 this year, winning twice. He also made his F2 debut in Baku with Trident, qualifying seventh on the grid for his first feature race. Ugochukwu and Badoer – the latter the son of former Formula 1 driver Luca Badoer – ended the year win-less in 16th and 26th places respectively.
This article will be updated.
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