Martinius joins McLaren Driver Development Programme
Martinius Stenshorne is delighted to join the McLaren Driver Development programme. Eighteen-year-old Martinius, from Norway, will join the team’s talent pipeline which has an overarching aim to help drivers progress towards the pinnacle of Motorsport, F1, as well as the NTT INDYCAR Series and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
McLaren has always been a leader in developing new talent to compete at the very top of motorsport. From Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris in Formula 1 to Pato O’Ward in IndyCar, McLaren’s track record in this area is clear. Re-established in 2022, the McLaren Driver Development Programme is led by F1 Business Operations Director Stephanie Carlin.
Martinius’ impressive junior record and strong potential were key levers in his selection. Born into a rallying family, he started racing aged four. Martinius secured multiple international karting championships before a move to Formula 4, where he scored three podiums across the UAE, German and Italian Championships. Managed by Nicolas Todt’s All Road Management, in 2023 the Norwegian driver competed in the Formula Regional European Championship where he became the first rookie to win their debut race. He finished as vice-champion of the series with four further wins to his name.
In 2024 Martinius competes in the FIA Formula 3Championship with Hitech Pulse-Eight. He posted his first win at the second round of the series in Australia.
Martinius Stenshorne: “I’m incredibly excited to join the McLaren Driver Development programme, it’s an honour to now be part of the McLaren family. The team has a great history of developing talent, so I’m looking forward to growing with the team and learning from their expertise as I continue on my journey towards the top of motorsport.
“I know I will benefit hugely from their support at this stage in my career. Having visited the McLaren Technology Centre recently, I can see how they take everything to a different level. I am looking forward to learning all aspects of what it takes to succeed in senior racing and to work with some of the best technical, sporting and driving talent in the business.
“McLaren is such an iconic name and I can remember being inspired by watching older races won by Prost, Senna and Hakkinen when I was growing up in Norway. It’s also super impressive how they continue to push at the front today, as we saw in Miami.
“I can’t wait to get on track in Imola and use the papaya orange on and off track. Thank you to Zak, Stephanie and the entire team for their faith in me, and to All Road Management for their continued support.”
Stephanie Carlin, Director, F1 Business Operations, McLaren: “Martinius has shown huge potential in his junior career. Winning on a debut in FRECA is impressive, as is posting a win on a second event in the competitive environment of FIA Formula 3. We want to develop and nurture the talent to allow him to grow even further.
“The entire team is looking forward to welcoming Martinius to the McLaren family and we’ll be working closely to support this development within our talent pipeline.”
Nicolas Todt, All Road Management: “We are very proud Martinius has been selected by McLaren Racing for its Driver Development Programme and would like to thank Zak and Stephanie for this opportunity. In FRECA – and now F3 - he has demonstrated speed and determination. Joining such a comprehensive programme will enhance this natural ability. We will continue to support Martinius on his journey and look forward to seeing his development accelerate with the guidance of McLaren Racing.”