The 18-year-old from Rome joins McLaren’s official talent pathway, under the management of Pro Racing Motorsport.
Woking (UK) / Rome, 10 November 2025 – McLaren Racing is pleased to announce that Matteo De Palo has joined its Driver Development Programme, designed to nurture the next generation of drivers towards Formula 1, IndyCar and McLaren’s future World Endurance Championship entry.
The 18-year-old Italian impressed in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine with Trident Motorsport, taking four victories, seven podiums, and finishing runner-up in the standings. His maturity and consistency have made him one of the most promising young drivers in Europe.
After progressing through international karting and debuting in Spanish F4, Matteo’s steady rise has earned him this prestigious opportunity. Before moving up to FIA Formula 3 in 2026, he will race in papaya at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix. Below are the statements released by McLaren Racing:
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer, McLaren Racing, said:
“The McLaren Driver Development Programme is pleased to welcome Matteo. Matteo is an exciting young talent who 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”.
Matteo De Palo, Driver, McLaren Driver Development, said:
“Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour. 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, Alessandro and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.”
The management of Matteo De Palo, Pro Racing Motorsport, expressed great satisfaction following the signing with McLaren.
Giancarlo Fisichella, CEO, Pro Racing Motorsport:
“We’re extremely proud to have guided one of our drivers to sign with McLaren. I want to say that ninety-nine percent of the credit goes to Matteo. He truly earned this with his hard work, determination and maturity. We’re thrilled and hope this is the beginning of many more achievements together. It’s a great moment, where sporting results and pressure go hand in hand, and we’ll be by his side throughout this journey.”
Marco Cioci, Executive Director, Pro Racing Motorsport:
“This is a huge step for Matteo, one of the greatest opportunities a young driver can have. Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme, part of a World Championship-winning Formula 1 team, means operating within the highest professional standards. Matteo will have to manage not only performance but also the pressures that come with this level. We thank McLaren for their trust and will continue working closely to help him grow in every area needed to achieve his goals.”
Vitantonio Liuzzi, Project Coordinator, Pro Racing Motorsport:
“We’re really happy for Matteo and for what this represents for our team. His partnership with McLaren and Trident marks a key stage in his career. He’s showing maturity, speed and steady progress season after season. This success is the result of teamwork, dedication and a shared vision. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and can’t wait to start this new chapter in 2026.”
