McLaren has confirmed it has signed reigning Formula 3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto to its Driver Development programme.
Bortoleto previously made his single-seater debut in the Italian F4 Championship, winning twice, before ending up in F3 with Trident for the current campaign.
The Brazilian excelled in the third-tier series, taking two victories and six podiums to secure the title. McLaren has now snapped up his services, adding him to its development programme, which aims to support breakthrough talent’s progression into Formula 1.
Bortoleto joins McLaren IndyCar star Pato O’Ward and McLaren’s Formula 1 2024 reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa, plus McLaren Young Driver Ugo Ugochukwu.
That quartet will continue to work under the guidance of former McLaren test driver and Le Mans winner Emanuele Pirro, who is responsible for leading the programme.
McLaren has also announced that it has signed a one-year option on Italian F4 driver Brando Badoer, with the potential for him to be signed to the programme at a later date.
“I’m pleased to welcome Gabriel to the McLaren Driver Development programme,” Pirro said. “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.”
“I’m excited to be joining the McLaren Driver Development programme,” Bortoleto added. “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.”
