McLaren Racing has announced that rising star Ugo Ugochukwu has been signed by them, taking up a role similar to that of being in a driver academy. The American driver has been a revelation in karting most recently securing the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.
The agreement will allow the British-based team to have a fairly decisive say in where the American races as he aims to progress up the feeder series ladder, whilst also supporting Ugochukwu through both the highs and the lows of motorsport.
McLaren have a history of having relatively few in their driver academy, focusing on finding just a select few drivers to fill any vacant spots, Ugochukwu will be following in the footsteps of the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, both of whom made their Formula 1 debuts with McLaren.
Zack Brown and McLaren have been watching Ugochukwu’s development for some time and have been impressed, so understandably jumped on the opportunity of signing the youngster, Brown is looking forward to helping the American fulfil his clear to see potential.
Zack Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing “We’ve been watching Ugo’s progress with interest, so when the opportunity to sign an agreement with him became available, we had no hesitation moving on it. Now we’ll focus on giving Ugo the right support when he needs it to help him fulfil his potential.”
Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of McLaren Formula 1 team, acknowledges the talent of Ugochokwu, stating that whilst the American driver is still young it is clear that he can be a success at the highest level in the sport. This recruitment marks a new beginning from moving away from a young driver academy to a more tailored individual programme.
“Ugo is a promising young talent with strong development prospects. While he is still early in his career, it is clear he has the ingredients to be successful in the sport. This signing reflects our refocused approach to identifying and supporting new talent, away from a formal young driver programme to a more tailored basis.”
Ugochokwu is honoured to be signed by a team so steeped in history like McLaren so early in his motorsport career. Having the support of McLaren will be of great benefit to the American and is ‘what dreams are made of.’
“I’m honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career. To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of. I’m focused right now on developing as a driver and racer, so having McLaren by my side can only help me on and off the track.”
Currently Ugo Ugochokwu is karting in Europe in the OK Senior Class.
