McLaren has tested IndyCar drivers in the USA and Abu Dhabi

McLaren has tested one of its IndyCar drivers at training sessions in Austin and Abu Dhabi. The British racing team announced this ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin.

Through these tests, the Formula 1 team achieves the two tasks for young drivers set out in the 2022 Sports Regulations.

Spaniard Alex Ballou mounts the MCL36 for the first practice session for the US Grand Prix next weekend. Last year’s IndyCar Series winner leads Daniel Ricciardo’s place for 60 minutes.

In the American Racing Series, Palou leads to Chip Ganassi Racing. The 25-year-old has racked up four wins and 15 podiums in the IndyCar series so far.

“In light of Alex’s great success in IndyCar, it would be beneficial for the team to receive his feedback on the car,” said team principal Andreas Seidl. “And we have to evaluate him more as a driver.”

Ballou himself “is very much looking forward to his F1 debut this weekend. It’s great to be driving in the US in front of the fans who may have seen me in IndyCar.”

At the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Batou Award will also be allowed to play. The 23-year-old Mexican grabbed the car from Lando Norris in FP1. In IndyCar, driver Arrow McLaren SP has four race victories.

Explaining McLaren’s decision, Seidl said: “It’s a great opportunity for them to show their skills on the world stage of Formula One.”