Palou and O’Ward to make FP1 debuts

Alex Palou will exchange Daniel Ricciardo in FP1 at Austin subsequent weekend, whereas Pato O’Ward will take over Lando Norris’ automotive within the opening session in Abu Dhabi

Spanish driver Palou, the 2021 IndyCar champion, has a formidable motorsport profession up to now, together with 4 wins and 15 podiums in IndyCar, and third place within the 2019 Tremendous Method Championship.

Arrow McLaren SP driver O’Ward will take the wheel of the MCL36 after a profitable season in IndyCar, including two wins and two podiums to his notable document within the sequence of two earlier wins, seven podiums and the 2018 Indy Lights championship title.

This chance follows their driver growth assessments within the MCL35M, which noticed them in motion on the Crimson Bull Ring this week.

These classes will fulfil the crew’s two younger driver outings, as mandated within the 2022 Sporting Laws.

“I am so excited to be making my F1 weekend debut,” stated Palou. “It is nice to be driving in america in entrance of followers that will have seen me race in IndyCar. Having pushed the 2021 MCL35M in just a few assessments now, I can not wait to place the MCL36 via its paces. I sit up for serving to the crew of their preparation for the 2022 United States Grand Prix.”

“I can not wait to get out on observe in Abu Dhabi,” added O’Ward. “I’ve developed as a driver and had a whole lot of enjoyable testing final yr’s automotive with the crew, so it is going to be a fantastic expertise to drive the MCL36. Thanks McLaren F1 for the chance.”

“We’re happy to provide Alex and Pato the chance to participate in free apply classes,” stated Andreas Seidl. “With Alex’s nice successes in IndyCar, it is going to be helpful for the crew to get his suggestions on the automotive and for us to proceed to guage him as a driver.

“Alex and Pato impressed with their current assessments in Barcelona and Austria and we’re excited to supply them the expertise within the MCL36. It is a fantastic likelihood for them to showcase their abilities on Method One’s international stage, the place the main focus will probably be to assist the crew put together for the race weekend and never on final lap instances.”