Andrea Stella's Early Influence on F2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli
F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren's new reserve driver, has already received mentorship from Team Principal Andrea Stella, emphasizing goal-setting. Fornaroli chose McLaren for its career development opportunities, with his ultimate aim being a Formula 1 seat. This role is a critical step for the young Italian, providing invaluable experience with a leading team as he eyes a future on the F1 grid.
Newly appointed McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli revealed he has already received valuable guidance from Andrea Stella, McLaren's Team Principal. Fresh off his Formula 2 title win, Fornaroli is set to be the primary backup for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Why it matters:
Leonardo Fornaroli's arrival at McLaren as a reserve driver signifies a crucial step in his promising career and McLaren's investment in young talent. The early guidance from a seasoned leader like Andrea Stella underscores the importance of mentorship in Formula 1 and could fast-track Fornaroli's development, potentially impacting McLaren's future driver lineup and competitive standing.
The Details:
- Stella's Advice: Fornaroli quoted Stella as telling him, "when I'm doing something both inside and outside the track, always put a goal in your mind because like this you're gonna achieve a great result and your own goals."
- McLaren's Appeal: Fornaroli chose McLaren due to it being "the best choice for my career" and for providing "a very nice racing program and developing program."
- Formula 1 Goal: While the specific program will be announced soon, Fornaroli's ultimate goal is Formula 1.
- Early Engagements: Besides Stella, Fornaroli also had discussions with Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren's Chief Business Affairs Officer, expressing gratitude for the support and trust.
- Career Trajectory: Fornaroli, despite being F2 champion, has not yet secured a full-time F1 seat due to a lack of ties to a junior academy, making the McLaren reserve role critical for gaining experience.
What's next:
Fornaroli's immediate future involves integrating into McLaren's racing and development programs, with official announcements regarding his specific role expected soon. This reserve driver position offers him a prime opportunity to gain critical F1 experience, particularly with a top-tier team. His performance in this role and continued development will be key in determining if he can secure a full-time F1 seat in the coming years, especially with the 2026 regulations offering a potential platform for new talent.