Leist captured the British F3 title with Double R Racing last year, defeating Carlin driver Ricky Collard in a final-round showdown at Donington Park.

The Brazilian also took part in the end-of-season GP3 Series tests at Abu Dhabi with ART, Arden and Trident.

He will now switch to race in the IndyCar feeder series in 2017 with Carlin, which last year ran Ed Jones to the series title.

“I’m very excited to be joining Carlin in Indy Lights,” said Leist.

“I had quite a few options open to me in 2017, but a combination of things, including the opportunities in the US and on the Mazda Road to Indy ladder, made Indy Lights a great option for me.

“I have raced against Carlin before so I know how hard they push as a team to win.

“I’m incredibly excited to get out on track in the car and get the season underway.”

Carlin had previously been tipped for an IndyCar move this year, but has since put those plans on hold.

Team boss Trevor Carlin said: “We’ve raced against Matheus for the last two seasons now, and have witnessed first-hand his race craft and raw speed.

“Now we have chance to work together, it will be great to have those talents within the team rather than trying to beat them.

“Indy Lights will certainly be a new environment for Matheus and a steep learning curve, but he has the ability and more importantly, the calm and determined nature to overcome these challenges.

“I’m very excited to see what we can achieve together in 2017.”