Matheus Leist will graduate to IndyCar in 2018 with AJ Foyt Racing, joining compatriot Tony Kanaan at the operation, marking an all-new line-up for the squad.
Foyt fielded Carlos Muñoz and Conor Daly in 2017 but will head into the new campaign with a revised pairing, having recruited veteran Kanaan and rookie Leist.
Leist, 20, won the BRDC British F3 championship in 2016 and this year placed fourth in Indy Lights, taking three victories, including at the Freedom 100.
“This is a special moment in my career and I’m so grateful for the things that are happening,” said Leist, who will drive the No. 4 car.
“Sometimes it is hard for me to believe that I’ll be driving for the legend A.J. Foyt.
“Having Tony Kanaan as my teammate is incredible because he’s been an idol for me since I was a child.
“Tony and I are from different generations but I can’t wait to be with him at the track and learn as much as I can from him. It will be a pleasure.”
Leist described his graduation to Foyt as a “dream come true”, having moved over from Europe for his 2017 Indy Lights campaign.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunities that I had so far and for the big moments that I lived,” he said.
“Every day I keep telling myself that I couldn’t have made a better decision than to come to the USA at the end of 2016.
“America is where things happen and where the good drivers have a proper place.
“The IndyCar Series is one of the best categories in the world and has the most important race in the world.
“The championship is amazing with its combination of road courses, street courses and ovals.
“It’s a series where all the teams are capable of doing a great job. I’ve dreamed about racing in this series and I can’t wait for this dream to come true.”
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