Leonardo Fornaroli: F2 Champion Joins McLaren as Reserve Driver
Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has been named McLaren's reserve driver, a significant step after clinching back-to-back F3 and F2 titles. The young Italian, who's not affiliated with an F1 junior academy, will gain invaluable experience with one of the grid's strongest teams, positioning him as a strong contender for a full-time F1 seat in 2026.
Leonardo Fornaroli, fresh off clinching back-to-back Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles, has been appointed as McLaren's reserve driver. This impressive feat, previously achieved only by Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, marks Fornaroli as a rising star in motorsport, despite not securing a Formula 1 race seat for the upcoming season due to not being tied to any junior academy.
Why it matters:
- Fornaroli's rapid ascent through the junior ranks highlights his exceptional talent and potential to become Italy's next F1 sensation after Kimi Antonelli.
- Joining McLaren, currently one of the strongest teams on the grid, offers him an invaluable opportunity to gain experience at the highest level.
- This move positions him well for a potential F1 seat in 2026, especially given McLaren's recent constructors' titles and strong driver performance.
The Details:
- Early Career Success: Born in Emilia-Romagna in 2004, Fornaroli started karting at age ten, winning the Mini Academy class in 2016 and finishing as runner-up in the 2019 WSK Euro Series.
- Single-Seater Debut: His transition to single-seaters began in 2020 with Iron Lynx in Italian Formula 4, securing two podiums in his rookie season.
- Progress in F4: In 2021, still with Iron Lynx, he improved to fifth overall in Italian F4, with one win, two pole positions, and seven podiums.
- Formula 3 Breakthrough: After a challenging 2023 F3 season, Fornaroli secured his first single-seater title in 2024, winning the F3 championship without a race win, clinching it with a last-lap overtake.
- Formula 2 Dominance: Moving to F2 with Invicta, Fornaroli had his strongest season yet, claiming the title with four wins, two poles, and nine podium finishes.
- McLaren Role: Despite his F2 championship, Fornaroli did not secure an F1 race seat for the next season. His role as McLaren's reserve driver for 2026 is a significant step towards his F1 aspirations, allowing him to integrate with a top-tier team.
What's next:
Fornaroli's appointment at McLaren signals a strategic long-term play for both driver and team. While a 2025 F1 race seat didn't materialize, the reserve driver role offers critical exposure and development within a championship-contending environment. This experience could be pivotal for his future, potentially paving the way for a full-time F1 drive in 2026, especially with a team that values young talent and has a history of promoting successful junior drivers like Oscar Piastri.