F3 champion joins McLaren Driver Development programme

McLaren has announced that Gabriel Bortoleto, this year's Formula 3 champion, has joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme. This will mean the 18-year-old will get guidance from McLaren in his path to Formula 1. Bortoleto says he is very happy to be given the opportunity.

The Brazilian talent made his debut in Formula 3 this year, immediately becoming champion. He has a 45-point difference to second-place. It now earns him the guidance of McLaren. With this, he joins IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward, McLaren's 2024 reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa and McLaren Young Driver Ugo Ugochukwu. GPblog spoke to Bortoleto shortly after winning his F3 championship.

The 18-year-old Bortoleto says he is delighted to have joined the historic F1 team's Driver Development programme: "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."

Pirro himself is also enthusiastic about the Brazilian talent: "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."