McLaren have executed a significant driver line-up reshuffle after the Brazilian Grand Prix.

F1 Grand Prix of United States - Sprint & Qualifying

McLaren have announced a new young driver signing (Image: Getty)

McLaren have confirmed that Ugo Ugochukwu, Martinius Stenshorne and Brando Badoer, son of former Ferrari F1 star Luca Badoer, have departed the team’s driver academy at the conclusion of the 2025 feeder series season.

The Woking-based squad also announced a new signing with Matteo De Palo becoming the latest addition to the McLaren youth roster. The 18-year-old enjoyed a strong sophomore season in the Formula Regional European Series in 2025, finishing second in the standings behind British wonderkid Freddie Slater.

In a press release issued on Monday, McLaren made it clear that De Palo joins the team’s youth ranks, with Formula One, IndyCar, and the World Endurance Championship all identified as potential future destinations.

Joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme is a great honour,” De Palo said. “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 [Brown], Alessandro [Alunni Bravi] and the entire McLaren team. I am excited to get out on track in papaya.”

Of the three departing prodigies, Stenshorne is the biggest surprise. The Norwegian prospect made a name for himself after challenging the eventual champion and Mercedes F1 star, Kimi Antonelli, during their intense FRECA title fight in 2023.

Ugochukwu struggled to make an impact during his rookie Formula Three campaign in 2025, although two sprint race podiums in Belgium and Hungary indicated a step in the right direction late in the season.

Formula 2 Championship - Round 12 Baku - Sprint Race
Martinius Stenshorne has been dropped (Image: Getty)

The towering American starlet marked himself out as one to watch when he won the Macau Grand Prix from first on the grid in 2024, but Ugochukwu now finds himself at an uncomfortable crossroads with no backing from an F1 team moving forward.

Badoer’s first foray into the world of F3 was also a frustrating one. The 19-year-old was forced to wait until the 15th race of the campaign to secure his first point-scoring finish, and he ended the year 25th in the standings. He will switch to Rodin Motorsport for a second shot at the series in 2026.

Giving his thoughts on the reshuffle, Alunni Bravi 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. We also thank Ugo, Martinius and Brando for their contribution to McLaren and wish them the best for the future.”