McLaren Announces 2026 Reserve Lineup as FIA Grants Fuel Testing Exemption
McLaren confirms F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli as a reserve driver for 2026, while the FIA allows non-compliant fuel usage during pre-season testing. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton remains optimistic about Ferrari's harmony despite a difficult debut season.
McLaren has solidified its driver support for the 2026 season by naming reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli as a reserve driver. This announcement comes as the FIA reportedly allows fuel suppliers to use non-compliant fuels during pre-season testing to facilitate the transition to new power units. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has expressed optimism regarding Ferrari's internal harmony despite a challenging debut season with the team, and Audi has secured a major sponsorship partnership with Gillette.
Why it matters:
- Competitive Depth: As Lando Norris prepares to defend his drivers' title, ensuring a robust reserve and development program is critical for McLaren to maintain their competitive edge.
- Regulatory Adaptation: The FIA's exemption highlights the significant technical hurdles teams face with the 2026 regulations, particularly regarding the implementation of 100% sustainable fuels.
- Team Morale: Hamilton's positive comments amidst a difficult season suggest a stable environment at Maranello, which is crucial for their future development efforts.
The Details:
- McLaren's Lineup: Leonardo Fornaroli joins the Woking-based squad as a reserve driver, supporting the race lineup of Norris and Oscar Piastri.
- Fuel Exemption: The FIA has granted an exemption for fuel suppliers to run non-compliant fuels during pre-season tests. This move aims to help teams gather necessary data before the strict 100% sustainable fuel regulations take full effect in 2026.
- Hamilton's Ferrari Stint: Despite finishing sixth in the standings and failing to secure a podium for the first time in his career, Hamilton insists there is "great harmony" at Ferrari.
- Driver Market Updates:
- Isack Hadjar reflected honestly on his rookie season with Racing Bulls, questioning his career progression while acknowledging his growth.
- Stoffel Vandoorne is in "ongoing discussions" to remain with Aston Martin, continuing his valuable simulator work on their 2026 car.
- Audi Partnership: Audi announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Gillette, Braun, and Gillette Venus, aligning with the team's focus on precision engineering.
Looking Ahead:
With pre-season testing approaching, the grid is preparing for the new regulatory era. The focus will be on how teams adapt to the new fuel regulations and whether Ferrari can turn their internal harmony into on-track performance for the upcoming season.