McLaren announced the signing of Brazil’s Sergio Sette Camara in their team for the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The Woking-based outfit adds the FIA Formula 2 Championship driver in their junior programme in the test and development role for the 2019 F1 season. “It’s my dream to one day become a Formula 1 driver,” said Camara.
“And I’d like to thank McLaren for giving me this incredible opportunity. My aim is to integrate myself in the team and work as closely with them as possible; to listen, learn and help to develop as a driver, as well as support McLaren.”
McLaren’s Sporting Director, Gil de Ferran added: “We’re delighted to welcome Sergio to McLaren and our Young Driver Programme. We’ve been following his progress for some time and believe he is a promising young talent with a real potential.
“We’re looking forward to working with him to develop his skills as a well-rounded driver, while having him support our racing operations.” The Brazilian joins the team as its current reserve Lando Norris is set to make his F1 debut.
There is no word on if another of its juniors, Nyck de Vries will stay on with the team in the future as the Dutchman is contemplating its future programme – which will not be with Williams after the recent rumours of him joining the team with Dutch sponsors.
Camara is no stranger to a F1 team after it was part of the Red Bull Junior Team and also earned his F1 test drive with Toro Rosso in 2016 but the 20-year-old was dropped from the programme after an average 2017 season.
After his stint in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship between 2015 and 2016, Camara moved to Formula 2 in 2017 where he finished 12th in the standings with MP Motorsport – securing his first win at Spa-Francorchamps.
He switched to Carlin for 2018 alongside Norris and sits sixth in the standings with 164 points despite missing two races. He is yet to win a race but has scored eight podiums already this year.