Pato O'Ward will join McLaren's stable of reserve drivers next season, the Woking-based Formula 1 team confirmed ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
O'Ward, who drives for the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, is at Yas Marina Circuit and will participate in Friday's FP1 session ahead of Sunday's season-ending grand prix.
The Mexican has four wins and 20 podiums in IndyCar and has previously tested with McLaren, including last year in the Abu Dhabi F1 Test.
O'Ward said in a statement: "Pumped to take on this new role within the McLaren Racing family. I've always said it's never a bad day when you get to jump into an F1 car, so I look forward to joining the reserve driver pool for next year alongside my driving duties with Arrow McLaren."
24-year-old O'Ward has been on the F1 radar as a promising talent for some time having also had a stint with the Red Bull junior team. He joins McLaren's reserve line-up that includes Japan's 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Ryo Hirakawa and Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher.
McLaren F1 team principal Andrea Stella: "Pato had an impressive season in the IndyCar series and has performed well in his driver development tests, so it felt natural to take this next step now he's eligible for an FIA Super License.
"With the expansive calendar, it´s prudent to ensure we have a wide pool of drivers that we can call upon if required," added Stella.
There are unlikely to be any open seats at McLaren in the near future with the team having two of the series' top young drivers in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
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