Chilton, 24, embarks on his first season in the US-based series and will pilot Ganassi's #8 entry, which was shared by Sage Karam and Sebastian Saavedra in 2015.

His signing means that Ganassi is to maintain a four-car line-up, with Chilton set to race alongside reigning champion Scott Dixon, as well as Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball.

“Max is a talented young driver who has driven a number of different disciplines already in a short time,” Ganassi said.

“He brings a good deal of experience to our IndyCar line-up and we’re looking forward to him being part of our four-car team in 2016 and making a big contribution.”

A race winner in British F3 and GP2, Chilton made 35 starts in F1 for Marussia in 2013 and 2014, recording a best finish of 13th.

He was not part of the Manor squad that succeeded Marussia in 2015, instead rejoining his former GP2 squad Carlin for a season in IndyCar's top junior championship Indy Lights.

The Briton, who also raced in the Le Mans 24 Hours last year as part of Nissan's ill-fated LMP1 venture, missed three Lights races and ended up finishing fifth overall, picking up a maiden win in the Iowa oval race.

“I couldn’t be happier to join Chip Ganassi Racing’s Verizon IndyCar Series program,” Chilton said.

“This organisation is built on winning and their 11 IndyCar championships back that up. Chip is the kind of team owner that every driver dreams of working for in their career.

"He’s accomplished so much in so many different categories over the years, and I can’t wait to start driving for him.”