Matteo De Palo Joins the McLaren Racing Driver Development Programme
"I am excited to get out on track in papaya"
“Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour. The team have a fantastic track record for developing talent, so I am excited to grow across all elements of being a racing driver. Thank you to Zak, Alessandro and the entire McLaren team.”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer, McLaren Racing, said:
“The McLaren Driver Development Programme is pleased to welcome Matteo. He is an exciting young talent who has made great progress over the past seasons, showing adaptability, consistency and growth. We look forward to supporting his development across driving, as well as the wider aspects of being a professional driver, within our programme pathway.”
About Matteo
Born in 2007 and from Rome, Matteo De Palo is one of the most promising young Italian drivers on the international motorsport scene.
Matteo began his racing journey in 2016, starting in karting and quickly progressing through the junior categories. He delivered strong results in 60 Mini, OK-Junior and OK, earning notable finishes in both the WSK Super Master Series and the FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
In 2023, he moved into single-seaters, making his debut with Campos Racing in the Spanish F4 Championship. His rookie season featured one victory and three additional podiums, securing him fifth place in the overall standings. That same year, he also competed in selected rounds of the Italian and British F4 Championships.
In 2024, Matteo stepped up to the Formula Regional European Championship, where he claimed one race win and a second-place finish.
In 2025, he raced in FRECA with Trident Motorsport, securing four victories and seven further podiums, ultimately finishing as vice-champion. Next year, he will remain with the Trident team, competing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship for the 2026 season.
Management PRO RACING
Pro Racing Motorsport was founded with the ambition of revolutionizing managerial excellence in the world of four-wheel motorsport. Established in 2021, the Rome-based agency is rapidly expanding thanks to its deep expertise and a fully innovative approach, effectively positioning itself as a true Motorsport Academy. Pro Racing boasts a top-tier staff: in addition to the experience of its founders, Giancarlo Fisichella and Marco Cioci, the team includes exceptional coaches such as former Formula 1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi, 2011 GP2 Series vice-champion Luca Filippi, and former Formula and GT driver Ferdinando Monfardini, supported by the valuable contribution of team manager Gianluca Spoletini.
Giancarlo Fisichella
Founder & Owner
Marco Cioci
Founder & Owner
Vitantonio Liuzzi
Project Coordinator
CALENDAR
FIA F3 2026
