McLaren Welcomes Brando Badoer to Driver Programme

The decision follows a year-long evaluation of the 18-year-old Italian, who has been competing in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA). McLaren had previously secured an option on Badoer, which it has now chosen to exercise based on his strong performances.

Stephanie Carlin, McLaren’s Director of F1 Business Operations, said in a statement: “It’s great to welcome Brando to our Driver Development programme. Over the past year, we’ve been closely monitoring his progress, and his impressive rookie season in Formula Regional made the decision to bring him on board a natural one. We’re excited to see him in McLaren colours as he continues his journey in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing.”

Badoer also shared his excitement about joining McLaren "I am thrilled to become part of the McLaren Driver Development programme. McLaren’s rich racing heritage and history of developing young talent make this a fantastic opportunity for me. Competing in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing will be a crucial next step in my career, and I’m grateful for McLaren’s support. I’m eager to learn and grow with the team."

The son of former F1 driver Luca Badoer, Brando raced in both the Formula 4 UAE Championship and the Italian Formula 4 series. He continued to build momentum in 2023, securing five podium finishes in the Italian F4 series, with notable second-place results at Imola and Monza.

In early 2024, Badoer earned three podiums in the Formula Regional Middle East Championship before stepping up to FRECA with Van Amersfoort Racing. So far this season, he has achieved an impressive seven podium finishes, with five second-place results and two third places.

As part of McLaren’s talent pipeline, Badoer will join fellow McLaren Driver Development programme member Ugo Ugochukwu in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing. The programme, overseen by Stephanie Carlin, aims to guide promising drivers towards future opportunities in Formula 1, IndyCar, and Formula E.

Badoer’s journey within McLaren begins now, and he will no doubt be inspired and looking to emulate the Woking team's star F1 driver Lando Norris who was part of the Driver Development in 2017–2018,