McLaren have signed a long-term agreement with 13-year-old American karter Ugo Ugochukwu to support him through the junior categories of motorsport.
New York-born Ugochukwu - touted as the next Lewis Hamilton - won last year's European FIA OKJ European kart championship, after taking a string of titles in the United States.
"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," says McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown.
"Now we'll focus on giving Ugo the right support, when he needs it, to help him fulfill his potential."
McLaren's most famous junior signing was Britain's Hamilton, now a seven-time world champion, who was backed by the Woking team and Mercedes from the age of 13, and made his F1 debut in 2007.
Hamilton won his first F1 title with McLaren in 2008 and moved to Mercedes in 2013.
"I'm honoured to be signed by such an iconic team as McLaren Racing so early in my career," says Ugochukwu. "To have the support of McLaren is fantastic and what any young driver dreams of."
Reuters
