IndyCar’s Alex Palou will drive for the McLaren Formula One team in the opening match at the US Grand Prix on Friday, October 21.
Palou will replace outgoing driver Daniel Ricciardowho will then continue driving duties for the remainder of the event.
Palou, who entered the McLaren racing program earlier this year, test-drives a McLaren F1.
The opening in Austin will also feature the American racer Sergeant Loganwho will be at Williams in place of Nicholas Latifi.
Sargeant is still in contention to race full time for Williams next year.
The US Grand Prix is a popular destination for teams to test young drivers. Friday’s session will feature Robert Schwartzman driving for Ferrari, Antonio Giovinazzi for Haas and Theo Pourchaire for Alfa Romeo.
F1 rules dictate that teams must use young drivers who “may not compete in more than two World Championship events” on two Fridays throughout the year.
Mexican IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, also part of the broader McLaren racing program, will drive McLaren at the opening for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.
