Jehan Daruvala To Test Formula 1 Car For First Time With McLaren

Young Indian racer Jehan Daruvala on Monday took a substantial step towards realising his Formula 1 dream by securing a two-day test with eight-time constructors' winner McLaren. The 23-year-old, who is currently in his third season in Formula 2, will be clocking valuable miles in a Formula 1 car for the very first time. He will be driving McLaren MCL35, which competed in the 2021 F1 Championship, on June 21 and 22 at Silverstone in the UK.

The test, which is part of McLaren's Testing Previous Car (TPC) programme, will give Jehan a much-needed experience in a highly complex Formula 1 car.

As part of our Testing Previous Car (TPC) programme, @DaruvalaJehan will test the MCL35M at Silverstone on 21 June and 22 June.Enjoy your first drive in an F1 car, Jehan! pic.twitter.com/rimIYCtE7q

The track time will also help him earn enough points to apply for a Super Licence, which is needed to compete in Formula 1.

Though Jehan is part of the Red Bull Junior Programme, he has got the required go-ahead from the Milton Keynes outfit to test with a rival F1 team.

He has already said the current Formula 2 season is a make-or-break one for him as far as his Formula 1 dream is concerned. He is currently in the middle of his best season with five podiums in six rounds, pushing him to third place in the standings.

Speaking to media persons from the UK, the Mumbai-based driver sounded ecstatic about getting the opportunity but said it doesn't guarantee anything for 2023.

"This is nothing related to me getting a drive next year in Formula 1. There are not many seats opening up in F1 but I have got this opportunity to be in an F1 car and do well and if I do get the opportunity I want to be ready," he said.

"I have never driven a Formula 1 car