It has been a while since Alex Palou splashed the headlines. Since the Chip Ganassi-Arrow McLaren dispute, things were quiet. Until a few moments ago, when McLaren announced that a few IndyCar drivers will be taking the wheel of the MCL36 for free practice this season.

Recently, McLaren signed Oscar Piastri for their 2023 season, in place of Daniel Ricciardo. Hence, the future lineup of the team is quite sorted. However, according to 2022 rules, teams are mandated to run ‘young’ drivers in free practice at least twice.

Alex Palou and Pato O’ Ward to take part in upcoming FP sessions for McLaren

McLaren will be fulfilling that requirement in Austin and Yas Marina. Alex Palou will be taking the wheel of Ricciardo’s car for the US Grand Prix FP1.

“I’m so excited to be making my F1 weekend debut,” said the Spanish driver. “It’s great to be driving in the United States in front of fans that may have seen me race in IndyCar.”

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The excitement was palpable in Palou’s voice as he said, “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.”

Meanwhile, Pato O’Ward will drive Norris’ MCL36 at the season finale in Abu Dhabi for the 60-minute practice session.

“I can’t wait to get out on track in Abu Dhabi,” said the Mexican driver. “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.”

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It will definitely be exciting to see the IndyCar stars try their hand at F1. We can’t wait to see them in the paddock.

McLaren team principal is pleased to have IndyCar stars on board for FP sessions

After the dust settled on Alex Palou’s messy legal dispute with Chip Ganassi Racing, he elected to stay on with them for 2023. Despite that, he is still getting a chance to drive a McLaren, of F1 and not IndyCar thought.

The team principal Andreas Seidl also seems happy to bring the two on board as he said: “We’re excited to offer them (Alex and Pato) 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.”

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Both drivers have won four races each in the IndyCar series, and Palou has been the 2021 champion as well. It will definitely be interesting to see them try their hand at F1.