IndyCar drivers Palou and O'Ward in action during FP1 sessions for McLaren

IndyCar drivers Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward will make their Formula 1 debut during a practice session for McLaren in the closing stages of the 2022 season. After several days of testing with the team, the two drivers will now also get the chance to showcase their talent to the global F1 audience.

IndyCar champion Palou will get behind the wheel of Daniel Ricciardo's MCL36 in the first free practice for the US Grand Prix. O'Ward will be in action at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Lando Norris' car.

The two drivers have previously had the chance to test an older McLaren car in Barcelona and Austria. By participating in the practice sessions, McLaren will comply with the new regulations in 2022. Namely, each F1 team must give two free practice sessions to a young driver. This is also how Nyck de Vries competed several times for different teams this year.

IndyCar drivers excited

In McLaren's press release, Palou reacts to the news: "I’m so excited to be making my F1 weekend debut. It’s great to be driving in the United States in front of fans that may have seen me race in INDYCAR. Having driven the 2021 McLaren MCL35M in a few tests now, I can’t wait to put the MCL36 through its paces. I look forward to helping the team in their preparation for the 2022 United States Grand Prix.”

O'Ward also reveals that he cannot wait to take part in an official practice session. "I’ve developed as a driver and had a lot of fun testing last year’s car with the team, so it will be a great experience to drive the MCL36. Thank you McLaren F1 for the opportunity.”

Team boss Andreas Seidl is curious to see how the Indycar drivers will perform during the sessions. "We’re pleased to give Alex and Pato the opportunity to take part in free practice sessions with McLaren. With Alex’s great successes in INDYCAR, it will be useful for the team to get his feedback on the car and for us to continue to evaluate him as a driver. Alex and Pato impressed with their recent tests in Barcelona and Austria and we’re excited to offer them the experience in the MCL36. It’s a great chance for them to showcase their skills on Formula 1’s global stage, where the focus will be to help the team prepare for the race weekend and not on ultimate lap times.”