McLaren add former Ferrari driver’s son to F1 development programme

McLaren Signs Brando Badoer to Driver Development Programme

McLaren has officially announced the addition of Brando Badoer to its Formula One Driver Development Programme following a year-long evaluation period. The 18-year-old Italian, who currently competes in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, is the son of former Ferrari F1 driver Luca Badoer. Luca Badoer gained recognition for his role as a stand-in for Felipe Massa at Ferrari in 2009.

Impressive Performance in Formula Regional European Championship

Brando Badoer has shown promise throughout his time in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, where he currently holds fifth place in the drivers’ standings. He has achieved seven podium finishes so far, showcasing his potential and consistency in the highly competitive series. His strong performance and racing acumen have made him a valuable prospect for McLaren, leading to his inclusion in their driver development programme.

Step Up to FIA Formula 3 in 2025 with Prema Racing

As part of his development, Badoer is set to move up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2025 with Prema Racing, a team known for its success in nurturing young talent. The partnership with Prema is expected to provide Badoer with a solid platform to further refine his skills and gain experience at a higher level of competition. McLaren’s decision to support his step up reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring a steady progression for drivers within their development programme.

Brando Badoer Expresses Excitement for McLaren Opportunity

Commenting on the announcement, Badoer expressed his excitement about joining a team with such a rich racing heritage. “I am thrilled to become part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. It’s a fantastic opportunity to join a team that has a great history in the sport and a proven track record of developing young drivers,” said Badoer. “Competing in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing will further my progression, and I’m thankful for McLaren’s support. I can’t wait to race in the team’s iconic colours and benefit from their guidance.”

McLaren’s Confidence in Badoer’s Potential

Stephanie Carlin, McLaren’s Head of F1 Business Operations, shared her enthusiasm for Badoer’s addition to the programme. She praised his performance as a rookie in the Formula Regional championship and noted the positive impression he left on the team. “We’ve kept a close eye on Brando over the past year, and his results as a rookie in such a competitive championship have been impressive,” said Carlin. “It made sense to bring him into the programme full-time. We look forward to seeing him progress as he steps up to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing.”

McLaren’s Continued Support for Rising Talents

Badoer’s recruitment highlights McLaren’s dedication to supporting and developing young drivers in their journey toward Formula One. As he prepares for his debut in FIA Formula 3, Badoer will have access to McLaren’s resources, expertise, and mentorship, which will be pivotal in shaping his career and enhancing his potential as a future F1 driver.