Not just Mercedes
Just two days ago Mercedes had officialized the entry of Teo Pourchaire into its development program, with McLaren ‘copying’ this move by announcing a new development driver close to the start of the 2026 world championship: the Woking team has in fact signed Grégoire Saucy, a 26-year-old Swiss who will join other young talents of the caliber of Christian Costoya, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Pato O’Ward, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck, Richard Verschoor and two Italians like Matteo De Palo and Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion.
Career and commitments
European Formula Regional champion in 2021, Saucy competed in the following two seasons in Formula 3 before moving to the WEC with the United Autosports team (LMGT3 class) at the wheel of the McLaren 720S. In his new role, Saucy will participate in the 2026 European Le Mans Series LMP2 championship and some IMSA rounds (again with United Autosports), as well as carrying out some tests at McLaren: “I am really excited to join the McLaren Driver Development Programme – he stated – the program offers really important support and a wide range of opportunities as I continue my development in all aspects of my racing career. It is a fantastic environment and I look forward to working with the incredible McLaren team. Thanks to Zak Brown and Alessandro (Pier Guidi) for this opportunity.”
Did someone say driver announcement…🤔📢
Introducing Grégoire Saucy, who joins the McLaren Driver Development Programme 🧡#McLaren
— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (@McLarenF1) February 25, 2026
The Swiss driver was welcomed by Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer of McLaren: “McLaren Racing is delighted to welcome Grégoire Saucy to the McLaren Driver Development Programme. Grégoire has impressed in various racing categories, providing an excellent foundation for his development in our pathways. We look forward to seeing Grégoire’s progress this year in races and tests in the endurance categories”.
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