Former driver Pirro leads new Driver Development programme McLaren

On its way back to the top in Formula 1, McLaren is launching a training programme for young drivers as well as established names in classes such as Formula E and IndyCar. Emanuele Pirro, former F1 driver and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has been appointed to lead the McLaren Driver Development programme, the team announced.

In a press release, McLaren reports that young drivers will be supported in their development from karting to professional driver. By doing so, McLaren aims to facilitate the flow of emerging talent into F1. Furthermore, there is room in the programme for established professional drivers from series other than Formula 1 to gain experience in F1.

Potential pipeline to F1

The programme not only creates a potential talent pipeline for the Formula 1 team, but also for McLaren in IndyCar and its own Formula E team. This programme could help McLaren find their next number one driver, along with a test and development driver. The McLaren Driver Development programme currently consists of Pato O'Ward and Alex Palou (active in IndyCar), with the latter also being McLaren F1's test and reserve driver. Talent Ugo Ugochukwu is also a part of this programme.

Commenting on the project, McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: "McLaren has a long history of developing emerging talent into top-level racing drivers, and I’m proud that will continue long into the future. We have an experienced team here at McLaren, who will be ably led by Emanuele, that are capable of providing the support and resources required to develop raw young talent into highly competitive professional racing drivers."

Senna, Berger and Prost

Emanuele Pirro, a former McLaren test driver, is looking forward to his new job. "McLaren played a crucial role in my career by giving me the opportunity to earn an F1 drive and to elevate myself to a higher level by working alongside Senna, Prost and Berger. Together with my team, my role will assist in creating a state-of-the-art programme, selecting the best possible drivers and providing them with all the tools they need to make the best use of their talent."