The 18-year-old De Palo, who finished second in the Formula Regional European championship this year, will join McLaren's driver development programme.

He will make his first appearance in McLaren’s colours at the Macau Grand Prix later this month and race in Formula 3 next year.

As well as announcing the new signing, McLaren has also announced that they have parted ways with junior drivers Martinius Stenshorne, Ugo Ugochukwu and Brando Badoer.

Matteo De Palo is from Roma, Italy, and made his single-seater debut in 2023 with Campos Racing in the Spanish F4 Championship, where he finished fifth.

He has competed in the Italian F4, British F4 Championships before making the step up into the Formula Regional European Championship.

This year, De Palo competed in FRECA, winning four races and achieving a podium on seven occasions, and finishing second place in the championship.

De Paolo is “an exciting young talent who has made great progress over the past seasons, showing adaptability, consistency and growth,” said Alessandro Alunni Bravi, head of the McLaren junior drivers' programme.

“We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future,” he added.

De Palo said: “Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour.