McLaren has signed a long-term agreement with Ugo Ugochukwu, the young American who was recently crowned FIA European karting champion.

The 13-year-old has proven to be a revelation, already securing titles in the US and Europe, most recently winning the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.

The agreement provides McLaren Racing with an option on Ugochukwu's services in the future, while supporting his development and evolution as he progresses through the junior categories of motorsport.

"We've been watching Ugo's progress with interest," said Zak Brown, "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."

"Ugo is a promising young talent with strong development prospects," added Andreas Seidl. "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."

"I'm honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career," said Ugochukwu. "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."

Since he began karting in New York State in 2013, Ugochukwu has gone on to race across the United States and Europe, and has already shown his talent by winning, amongst others, the 2018 Challenge of the Americas Rok Junior Championship and the 2020 FIA OKJ European Championship.

He is currently competing in Europe in the OK Senior class.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 23/03/2021 21:23

"Really! The humble underprivileged lad from Stevenage who was awarded a knighthood for what he's done for the benefit of Great Britain on the world stage, actually said that? Surely you jest......"

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2. Posted by Kemawi, 23/03/2021 12:52

"I wonder if Ugo will do a "Lewis Hamilton" which was after 10 years of mentoring and paying for all Lewis's motor racing, tell Zak to Foxtrot Oscar...... which is what the lovely Lewis said to Ron Dennis......."

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McLaren signs 13-year-old American kart champion

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