(Motorsport-Total.com) – Gregoire Saucy has secured a place in the junior program of Formula 1 world champion McLaren. A somewhat surprising piece of news, as Saucy already turned 26 in December and is therefore no longer a classic “junior.”
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“I am very happy to be able to participate in the McLaren Driver Development Programme. The program offers me important support and diverse opportunities to further develop in all areas of my development as a racing driver,” the Swiss driver says happily.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who is responsible for McLaren’s junior program, explains: “Gregoire has impressed in several racing categories, creating an excellent foundation for his development in our programs.”
“We look forward to following Gregoire’s progress this year in his races and tests in the endurance categories,” he emphasizes. In this context, McLaren announces: “In 2026, Gregoire will participate in the ELMS LMP2 series and other IMSA races with United Autosports.”
“In addition, he will complete test drives as part of the McLaren Racing portfolio,” it is announced. McLaren will participate in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with its own hypercar starting in 2027.
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Saucy’s path at the Woking-based racing team is therefore unlikely to lead to Formula 1, but rather in this direction. At one time, the Swiss driver was considered a promising talent in formula racing. In 2021, he confidently won the title in the then Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) with eight victories.
Among others, he left drivers like Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, or Gabriel Bortoleto behind. He then spent two years in Formula 3, where he achieved a total of three podium finishes but could not build on the strong results from his FRECA championship year.
Since 2024, the now 26-year-old has been competing in various endurance series, where he has already had various points of contact with McLaren. For example, he has already driven in various championships for United Autosports, McLaren’s official partner team.
In addition, he completed a Formula E test for McLaren in 2024. In the meantime, however, the racing team has already withdrawn from the electric series. Along with IndyCar runner-up Patricio O’Ward (also 26), Saucy is currently the oldest driver in the McLaren junior squad.
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