Leonardo Fornaroli: F2 Champion and McLaren's New Reserve Driver
Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, has joined McLaren as a reserve driver. The young Italian achieved an exceptional feat, securing back-to-back titles in F3 and F2 on his first attempt, a rare accomplishment shared with F1 talents Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto. While an F1 race seat for next season remains open, his role with McLaren positions him within a top team, offering invaluable experience and a clear path towards an F1 debut in 2026, solidifying his status as a promising future star.
Leonardo Fornaroli, fresh off his Formula 2 title triumph, has been appointed as McLaren’s reserve driver, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career. The young Italian has achieved a rare feat, clinching back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 on his first attempt, joining the ranks of current grid stars Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto.
Why it matters:
- Fornaroli’s rapid ascent through the junior categories, culminating in consecutive championships, signals a potential future star in Formula 1.
- Despite not immediately securing an F1 race seat, his new role with McLaren places him within one of F1's top teams, offering invaluable experience and a pathway to the pinnacle of motorsport.
- His impressive track record positions him as a strong contender for an F1 seat in 2026, especially as he is not currently tied to any specific junior academy, providing flexibility.
The Details:
- Born in Emilia-Romagna on December 3, 2004, Fornaroli began his karting career at age ten, winning the Mini Academy class of the Championkart championship in 2016.
- Karting Success: He finished as runner-up in the 2019 WSK Euro Series, establishing himself as a top young talent.
- Single-Seater Debut (2020): Signed with Iron Lynx for the Italian Formula 4 championship, finishing ninth overall with two podiums.
- Italian F4 Progression (2021): Improved significantly, securing fifth in the standings with one win, two poles, and seven podiums.
- Formula Regional (2022): Competed in the Formula Regional Asian Championship (17th) and the Formula Regional European Championship (eighth).
- Formula 3 Breakthrough (2023): Despite an 18th-place finish, he took a pole and three podiums. The turning point came the following season when he claimed his first title without a race win, snatching the championship in the final moments.
- Formula 2 Championship (Current): Moved to Invicta in F2 and delivered a stellar season, securing the title with four wins, two poles, and nine podium finishes.
What's next:
While an F1 race seat for next season remains elusive, Fornaroli’s role with McLaren provides a prime opportunity to gain experience with a top-tier team. This position is particularly strategic given McLaren's recent back-to-back constructors' titles and their strong performance in the drivers' championship.
- His strong performance in F2, despite not being affiliated with a major junior academy, highlights his raw talent and market value.
- The 2026 season offers a significant chance for Fornaroli to make his F1 debut, especially with the new technical regulations coming into effect, potentially opening up new opportunities.
- Fornaroli could very well be Italy's next rising star in Formula 1, following Kimi Antonelli's return to the sport this year.